Frequent FDA Leadership Shakeups Put Industry at ‘Tipping Point’

The most recent shakeup over the FDA’s top drug regulator position is adding to uncertainty within the pharmaceutical and biotech industry over how one of the most powerful agency centers will be led.

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday appointed Tracy Beth Høeg as the acting director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Høeg, who practiced sports medicine before joining the agency, gained prominence for challenging health policies during the Covid-19 pandemic and questioning childhood vaccines.

Her appointment came a day after her predecessor and 26-year veteran of the agency, Richard Pazdur, shared plans to retire just ...