HHS is planning to create two new FDA deputy commissioner positions focused on technology and drugs, according to an Aug. 25 CNBC report.
The technology role would oversee both the FDA’s internal use of AI and its review of AI-enabled products. Jared Seehafer, a senior adviser to the FDA and a medical device industry veteran, is the leading candidate for the role, according to the report.
CNBC did not identify any candidates for the planned deputy commissioner for drugs position. Both roles would report to Heidi Overton, President Donald Trump’s pick for FDA commissioner, pending Senate confirmation.
No final decisions or formal announcements have been made about the positions. HHS did not respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.
The potential leadership changes come as the FDA expands its use and oversight of AI. The agency launched its Elsa generative AI tool agencywide in June 2025 to support tasks such as reviewing clinical trial protocols, summarizing adverse events and identifying inspection priorities. The FDA also recently released a discussion paper seeking feedback on potential approaches to regulating generative AI-enabled medical devices.
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