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An heir apparent to lead the FDA's drug center is emerging after years of worry over what would happen when Janet Woodcock retires. If you follow the FDA, I'd seriously recommend you read this story. Here's why. (Please indulge me, I'm proud of this one.) https://www.statnews.com/2020/06/23/janet-woodcock-replacement-fda/
First, I can assure you that signing up to avoid the paywall is worth it. This isn't a 500 word story. It's 2800 words. It includes on the record comments from three FDA commissioners. Don't you want to know who Ned Sharpless calls when he has problems. (Hint: It's Cavazzoni.)
Second, it includes on the record comments from both Patrizia Cavazzoni (the heir apparent) and Janet Woodcock.
Third, this is the only story out there about Cavazzoni's role at the FDA. Trust me, I searched! In fact, she's so unknown that go-to sources who do nothing but follow the FDA told me repeatedly they had never even heard of her.
Fourth, Cavazzoni's role cannot be overstated. She is already leading CDER in an acting role during Covid-19. As @ScottGottliebMD put it: “Running that center is harder than running the agency ... I think Patrizia has a harder job than the commissioner does.”
Fifth, it's not a puff piece, folks. Trust me, I dug deep into depositions from a decade ago that uncover her role in defending some very controversial drugs. Presented with this info, some advocates are already saying her history should disqualify her for the job.
Sixth, it's just hot gos! Don't you remember this story from Reuters that prompted Woodcock to personally email the entire drug center assuring staff she was not retiring? https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fda-succession-insight/insight-big-pharma-braces-for-retirement-of-favorite-regulator-idUSBRE99903120131010
