U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is seeking to bring in Robert Califf, a prominent specialist in the field of pharmacology who was criticized by Democrats for his pharmaceutical industry ties, to head the Food and Drug Administration, according to a report in Politico.
Biden was reportedly impressed with Califf during an episode of his podcast in April, when the two became embroiled in a pitched argument about whether inflammatory opiates were being properly monitored and controlled, POLITICO reported.
An aggressive drug maker backed by Cuomo considered Califf, formerly head of the division of drugs and medical devices at Duke University, for the position, but was deterred by his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which have raised questions about whether his views on drug regulation reflect those of the FDA itself. In its application to the Obama administration, Eli Lilly’s application noted his “failure to participate in multiple public advisory committee discussions regarding developments in the field of pain and opiates.” In turn, Politico reported, Califf wrote a letter in December 2015 to Cuomo’s staff alleging that he was not aware of Eli Lilly’s “persistent attempts to have his scientific advisory board removed from this public process.”
But lawmakers who favor drug regulation — such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D — criticized Califf for his pharmaceutical industry ties, and his clear reluctance to participate in advisory committee meetings.
Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Mass., called the industry ties “unfit” for Califf’s position @rmalones — Lanae Erickson (@LanaeErickson) October 8, 2018
Califf’s path to the FDA job took a complete U-turn when Cuomo gave a staunch endorsement of the pharmaceutical industry. @JoshGrassleyKD — Max Stier (@MaxStier) October 8, 2018
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., also objected to Califf, calling him “unfit” for the position. She urged the White House to reconsider appointing Califf.
Just as a reminder to both Republicans and Democrats: Fomenting public fear while saying a government job doesn’t “matter” is an equal and opposite of having a calming voice at the helm. The next FDA Commissioner must be independent. This would do that, or he’d not be the right choice. — Barbara Boxer (@SenBoxer) October 5, 2018
Califf’s supporters have portrayed his financial ties as the result of a decision to establish a cadre of outside experts, to cover against the kind of regulatory capture that occurred during the last, controversial president in office.
Should you be lucky enough to have a 2nd in Line on the Vice Presidential list, and if you’re confirmed as FDA Commissioner, I hope you can cut the power of pharmaceutical companies and finally let people know why the FDA is more important than ever. https://t.co/Q8iYQI73Ly — Robert Califf (@rxdicariff) September 8, 2018
But Trump’s appointment of Scott Gottlieb as commissioner of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in January may have rung a bell to his opponents in Washington. Politico reported that Gottlieb, who was an opponent of the Affordable Care Act, almost ignored concern over his deep industry ties by hiring his own top aide from that same industry.
Read the full story at Politico.
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