FDA chief resigns a day after taking ‘forceful actions’ against tobacco retailers

By PharmaCompass

2019-03-07

Impressions: 106 Article

The biggest news that shook the world of pharmaceuticals this week was the unexpected resignation of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

Gottlieb was the 23rd commissioner of the agency and had been nominated by President Trump. He took charge on May 2017, and his resignation would become effective in a month. Only two months back, he had said in a tweet that he was not leaving, and was looking forward to sharing his 2019 strategic roadmap.

Gottlieb cited personal reasons for his resignation, particularly his weekly commute from Washington to his home in Connecticut. His resignation has come at a time when Gottlieb’s signature issue – youth vaping – is being reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. On Monday, the FDA had announced a renewed effort to hold retailers accountable for selling tobacco and e-cigarettes to the youth.

An eminent public health advocate, Gottlieb had been at the forefront of FDA’s efforts to speed up drug approvals and accomplished the task of approving a record 62 new drugs in 2018.

“All of us at HHS are proud of the remarkable work Commissioner Gottlieb has done at the FDA. He has been an exemplary public health leader, aggressive advocate for American patients, and passionate promoter of innovation,” the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said.

Unlike his predecessors, who believed drug pricing didn’t fall under the purview of the FDA, the 46-year-old physician and former venture capitalist intensified the debate around the high cost of medicines in the US and had the agency actively look for possible solutions.

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“ The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information, which the author believes or knows, is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or, cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.”

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