FDA Policy/General

RFK, Jr. for FDA or CDC: DeSantis

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis says there could be a place in his administration for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as either FDA administrator or CDC director, according to The Floridian. DeSantis, now governor of Florida, often highlights his views on the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying the federal mandates were tyrannical.

In an interview, he said he and Kennedy agree on how the government managed the pandemic and the vaccines that were developed. Kennedy has spoken for years against vaccine mandates in general, and recently suggested that the Covid-19 vaccines were specifically developed in a way to protect Ashkenazy Jews and Asians from the effects of Covid, drawing charges of anti-semitism and racism.

During the interview, DeSantis was asked if Kennedy could be a potential running mate. He rejected the notion, suggesting there could be 70% of the issues in which his supporters would have disagreements with Kennedy. Rather, he said, “If you’re president, sic him on FDA if he’d be willing to serve. Or sic him on CDC.”

DeSantis’ comments drew a rebuttal from former vice president Mike Pence, who also is in the race for the Republican nomination. He said there would be no room at FDA, CDC, or HHS in a Pence administration for someone who is not pro-life.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome