U.S. Senate Confirms Califf As FDA Commissioner

Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Ostroff released the following statement following the U.S. Senate's 89-to-4 vote on Tuesday to confirm Dr. Robert M. Califf as the next commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Today the U.S. Senate voted in support of the confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf, M.D. to be Commissioner of U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Califf has demonstrated a long and deep commitment to advancing the public health throughout his distinguished career as a physician, researcher, and leader in the fields of science and medicine.  He understands well the critical role that the FDA plays in responding to the changes in our society while protecting and promoting the health of the public, across the many areas we regulate – and I am confident that our public health and scientific contributions will further grow under his exceptional leadership."

Califf was nominated by President Barack Obama in November. He replaces Margaret Hamburg, who resigned in March after leading FDA for six years. 

Mark Leahey, president and CEO of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), issued the following statement regarding Califf's Senate approval:

“Innovators across the United States continue to address some of our nation’s most pressing health care challenges, and Dr. Califf’s leadership will play a prominent role in determining how successful they will be in developing safe and effective therapies and cures for the 21st century.  It is critical that we have predictable and reasonable regulatory pathways for medical technologies, and MDMA will continue to work with the broad collection of stakeholders who are committed to these important goals.”