President Nominates Dr. Scott Gottlieb for FDA Commissioner
Friends Urges Swift Confirmation
Washington, DC, March 10, 2017 – Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) strongly supports President Trump’s nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb to serve as the next FDA Commissioner and urges Congress to work quickly to confirm his appointment.
“We deeply respect Dr. Gottlieb and have worked closely with him throughout his tenure at the FDA and in his various leadership roles in health policy,” said Friends’ Founder & Chair, Ellen Sigal. “Focusing on patients is vital and we know that Dr. Gottlieb will continue to direct the agency to be patient-centric and science-driven.”
Dr. Gottlieb not only has the experience that will be critical to expand upon the agency’s important work, but has firsthand experience at the FDA and as a physician that has treated patients understands the breadth of work that needs to be achieved on their behalf.
“Dr. Gottlieb’s strong scientific base and understanding of programs, such as the breakthrough therapy designation and Oncology Center of Excellence, can help FDA continue to streamline its processes,” said Friends’ President & CEO, Dr. Jeff Allen. “Through his knowledge and experience, we have no doubt that Dr. Gottlieb will be the right person to ensure FDA keeps pace with science and innovation without sacrificing the safety and efficacy gold standard established by FDA.”
Dr. Gottlieb studies the FDA and CMS at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) where he is a resident fellow. Previously a practicing physician, Dr. Gottlieb now focuses on health care reform, as well as political and clinical trends in medicine. Additionally, Dr. Gottlieb is a member of the Federal Health IT Policy Committee where he advises HHS.
Friends looks forward to working with Dr. Gottlieb upon his confirmation on the vital issues that directly impact patients’ lives.
About Friends of Cancer Research
Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) drives collaboration among partners from every healthcare sector to power advances in science, policy and regulation that speed lifesaving treatments to patients. For more information, please visit www.focr.org.
