NCI Director named as acting FDA Commissioner

Following the unexpected resignation of incumbent Dr Scott Gottlieb earlier this month, the Trump administration on Tuesday announced that National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director Norman (Ned) Sharpless will serve as acting Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration.

“Dr Sharpless’ deep scientific background and expertise will make him a strong leader for FDA,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement on the appointment. “There will be no let-up in the agency’s focus, from ongoing efforts on drug approvals and combating the opioid crisis to modernizing food safety and addressing the rapid rise in youth use of e-cigarettes.”

Mr Azar said the process of searching for a permanent FDA commissioner is underway. He added that Douglas Lowy, currently deputy director of the NCI, will serve as the NCI's acting director.