Califf on Path to Win FDA Chief Role Despite Expected ‘No’ Votes

Robert Califf’s previous stint as FDA chief will help him secure the role once again despite growing lawmaker opposition over his drug industry ties, former agency officials say.

At least five Democratic senators have said they would oppose Califf as he awaits a full Senate vote, and it’s unlikely that he will see the same level of overwhelming support he got in 2016. But policy analysts say his record of letting science guide agency decisions will outweigh concerns over how Califf might act on opioids or the abortion drug mifepristone.

“He is a well-respected leader,” former FDA Deputy Chief of ...