Opioid Pledge to Prove Tricky for FDA Head Dogged by Pharma Ties

FDA actions to fight the opioid crisis will face heightened scrutiny with Robert Califf at the helm of the agency as the new commissioner strives to overcome lingering concerns over his former industry ties.

Califf has committed to leading a “comprehensive review” of opioid regulations early in his tenure, which he said would include assessing the agency’s labeling process and whether warnings accurately describe the safety risks. To be effective, though, the agency will have to ensure outside influence doesn’t get in the way.

The new commissioner “needs to bend over backwards and show that he’s on the side of ...