Limits of Woodcock’s Role Highlight Need for Permanent FDA Head

Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock is a big proponent of modernizing the clinical trial system, but focusing on such a long-term project will be difficult without a permanent spot as agency leader, FDA advocates say.

There’s a 210-day statutory limit for how long an acting commissioner can work in a Senate-confirmed role. That means the 35-year veteran could only remain in her role until mid-to-late August unless President Joe Biden nominates her or someone else to the spot beforehand, according to the nonprofit Alliance for a Stronger FDA.

“While Janet Woodcock is doing an excellent job running the agency, and ...