HHS has selected four senior leaders for the FDA, including directors for the agency’s drug, biologics and tobacco centers and its first deputy commissioner focused on technology and artificial intelligence.
Jared Seehafer was selected as the FDA’s first deputy commissioner for technology and artificial intelligence, according to a Sept. 8 HHS news release. He will serve as the agency’s senior leader for technology, software and AI and lead FDA-wide strategy and priorities in those areas.
Michael Davis, MD, PhD, was selected as director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research after serving as acting director since May, when his predecessor was fired days after the agency’s commissioner stepped down. He will lead the center responsible for helping ensure safe, effective and high-quality drugs are available to the public.
Karim Mikhail was selected as director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research after serving as acting director, a post that has seen frequent turnover over the past year and a half. The center regulates biological products, including vaccines, blood and blood products and cellular and gene therapies.
Bret Koplow, PhD, was selected as director of the Center for Tobacco Products after serving as acting director. He has served at the FDA since 2011.
The selections come as the Senate weighs President Donald Trump’s Aug. 19 nomination of Heidi Overton, MD, PhD, to permanently lead the FDA.
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