FDA’s new commissioner, Scott Gottlieb
In a 57-42 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Gottlieb as FDA commissioner on May 9. Gottlieb, 44, is a former FDA deputy commissioner who has advocated a loosening of requirements needed for approval of new medical products. He was also a resident fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, a partner at venture capital firm New Enterprise Assoc., and sits on the boards of multiple healthcare companies.
During his first address to FDA, Gottlieb called for further steps to modernize the agency and make use of tools to keep drugs and devices safe and effective for users. He also singled out opioid abuse as an immediate problem.
A new Digital Health Innovation Plan is also in the works.