Dr. Abernethy joined the FDA in 2019 as its second-in-command and acting chief information officer. She managed the agency’s technology and data modernization, as well as launched its COVID-19 accelerator project to increase real-world data collection.
Her departure comes amid President Joe Biden’s unexpectedly lengthy search for a new FDA commissioner. Dr. Abernethy was considered for the role earlier on in the search.
Six former FDA commissioners wrote a letter to Mr. Biden March 10 urging him to nominate the next permanent head of the agency.
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