Search for new FDA chief mired in same issues that drove Makary out

Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.

Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is moving quickly to identify the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration after the resignation of Marty Makary on Tuesday, with an eye for someone who can rebuild trust with agency staff, focus on the agency’s food policy, and continue to drive drug-approval reforms.

Administration leaders hope to conduct the search over “the next several weeks,” according to an official with knowledge of the process, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Despite chatter among lobbyists about who is in contention, there’s currently no short list of candidates, the official said.

Despite the urgency, the process will take a while. The Senate is in session for only so many days, and the administration also needs to confirm Erica Schwartz, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nominee, and Nicole Saphier, the surgeon general nominee. It’s possible Kyle Diamantas, formerly in charge of the FDA’s food center, will still be acting commissioner when the midterms arrive in November.