Califf Commits to Opioid Review as Wary Senators Weigh FDA Pick

Robert Califf said Tuesday he would open up an extensive review of opioid regulations if he is confirmed by the Senate to lead the Food and Drug Administration.

President Joe Biden’s FDA nominee made the pledge in response to grilling from members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee over the agency’s role in addressing the opioid epidemic.

Lawmakers have long criticized the FDA’s approval of Purdue’s OxyContin and other addictive drugs without requiring more thorough warning labels and other protections that could help combat misuse.

“I am committed to do a comprehensive review of the status of ...