President Obama has nominated a longtime Duke University cardiologist to take the helm of the Food and Drug Administration, tapping Dr. Robert Califf to head the agency for the administration’s final 16 months.
Califf has served as a deputy FDA commissioner since March. He has worked extensively on speeding up the development of medical innovations, a cause that is getting increased support from both the White House and Congress.
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are working on legislation to accelerate federal approval of new drugs and medical devices, an initiative that is being applauded by medical groups but is viewed warily by many consumer advocates.