According to Reuters, President Barack Obama has nominated a leading cardiologist and researcher for the position of FDA Commissioner. Dr. Robert Califf joined the FDA in January as Deputy Commissioner. Before the position becomes official Dr. Califf will go before the Senate for a confirmation hearing and industry observers do not expect him to face much opposition.
If confirmed by the Senate Dr. Califf would replace Dr. Stephen Ostroff, who has served as acting commissioner since Dr. Margaret Hamburg stepped down earlier in 2015.
Prior to joining the FDA, Dr. Catliff, 63 was at Duke University Medical Center from 1982 to 2015 where one of his positions was Director of the cardiac care unit. In 2006, he founded the Duke University Clinical Research Institute.
Many in the tobacco industry felt the looming FDA regulations on cigars would not be ruled on until the placement of a permanent Commissioner which is now one step closer to happening.
