Califf’s Return as FDA Head Will Give Drug Competition a Boost

Improving drug competition and boosting patient access to innovative treatments will likely be among the priorities of Robert Califf at the helm of the Food and Drug Administration, policy analysts say.

President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Califf, a cardiologist and widely published researcher, to replace acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. If confirmed by the Senate, Califf is poised to bring steady leadership and clear direction on how to improve the FDA’s efficiency as the federal government continues to respond to the ever-changing Covid-19 situation.

“He has a very calm demeanor, which is important for running such a significant federal ...