Gottliebensraum: Will the FDA need more (or less) living space in a post-Gottlieb world?
Since Scott Gottlieb’s decision to step down as FDA Commissioner the tributes have been coming in fast and furious. And they're all, save for Sid Wolfe of course, well deserved. But here’s something you haven’t thought about – the exceptional role and excellence of the FDA career staff.
One of the reasons that Scott was so successful in so many was because he acknowledged the importance of the FDA's professional staff. Their participation and enthusiasm to share his agenda has helped create a more elastic and angular FDA.
So, now what happens? Can the many initiatives begun at say, CDER, gain and maintain velocity? Or do they kind of just fade away? How sharp will FDA elbows be as we slowly march our way towards another glorious round of PDUFA-Palooza? And e-cigarettes? Will planned agency actions back a half-step back to stay quiet and avoid attention? Or will we get a surprise?
Swap out NCI for FDA? It’s been done before and wasn’t a disaster, but why disrupt two agencies that are functioning well when you don’t have to. Alex Azar has seen this before as well and his suggestions will carry a lot of weight. As will the Vice President’s.
Is the President a wildcard? Are you kidding me? So, there’s that.
Momentum comes from without and within. A Scott-Free FDA presents a lot of opportunity space. (But, then again, I’m a cockeyed optimist.)
Stay tuned.
Since Scott Gottlieb’s decision to step down as FDA Commissioner the tributes have been coming in fast and furious. And they're all, save for Sid Wolfe of course, well deserved. But here’s something you haven’t thought about – the exceptional role and excellence of the FDA career staff.
One of the reasons that Scott was so successful in so many was because he acknowledged the importance of the FDA's professional staff. Their participation and enthusiasm to share his agenda has helped create a more elastic and angular FDA.
So, now what happens? Can the many initiatives begun at say, CDER, gain and maintain velocity? Or do they kind of just fade away? How sharp will FDA elbows be as we slowly march our way towards another glorious round of PDUFA-Palooza? And e-cigarettes? Will planned agency actions back a half-step back to stay quiet and avoid attention? Or will we get a surprise?
Swap out NCI for FDA? It’s been done before and wasn’t a disaster, but why disrupt two agencies that are functioning well when you don’t have to. Alex Azar has seen this before as well and his suggestions will carry a lot of weight. As will the Vice President’s.
Is the President a wildcard? Are you kidding me? So, there’s that.
Momentum comes from without and within. A Scott-Free FDA presents a lot of opportunity space. (But, then again, I’m a cockeyed optimist.)
Stay tuned.
