Scientist With Tough Stance on Safety Picked for Key FDA Post

US Food and Drug Administration Chief Scientist Namandjé Bumpus will succeed Janet Woodcock, who is retiring next year from her post as principal deputy commissioner after almost four decades at the controversy-embattled agency.

Bumpus, who played a crucial role in removing a preterm birth drug from the market in April because of risks to patients, was called a “powerhouse scientist and leader” by Commissioner Robert Califf, who announced the appointment Wednesday in a post on social media. She is the first Black person to hold this post, according to the FDA.

Bumpus faces a long slate of issues ...