Biden Announces Intention to Nominate Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC, as FDA Commissioner

Jan. 18 Update: The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on Jan. 13 approved the nomination of Robert Califf, MD, MACC, as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ACC in December submitted a letter to the HELP Committee in support of Califf's nomination.

Robert M. Califf, MD, MACC

The Biden administration on Nov. 12 announced President Biden's intention to nomination Robert Califf, MD, MACC, as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Califf previously served as FDA commissioner from February 2016 through Jan. 20, 2017, during the Obama administration.

Califf “has the experience and expertise to lead the [FDA] during a critical time in our nation’s fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic,” Biden said in a statement. “As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA. I am confident Dr. Califf will ensure that the FDA continues its science and data drive decision-making,” Biden added.

Califf is currently a professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine, where he previously served as vice chancellor of clinical and translational research and founder of the Duke Clinical Research Institute. In addition, he is currently head of clinical policy at Verily Life Science, a life sciences research organization. Previously, Califf was the FDA deputy commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco.

Read the full White House statement.

“Robert Califf is an acclaimed cardiovascular leader, researcher and clinical trialist in the field of medicine,” says ACC President Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC. “As the world of clinical research continues to undergo dramatic shifts, the FDA needs a leader who understands the importance of new drugs, tobacco policy, devices and clinical procedures in improving care and outcomes. A patient-first approach is necessary to address current hot-button issues surrounding efficiency, data collection, digital transformation and inclusivity in clinical trials. Having already led the FDA, we know Dr. Califf would bring a breadth of experience to the role at this critical time in medicine and health care.”

Keywords: Translational Medical Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Pandemics, Bidens, Academies and Institutes, Biological Science Disciplines, Policy, Vaccines, ACC Advocacy


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