FDA appoints permanent heads for CDER and CBER amid pending commissioner confirmation

The Department of Health and Human Services announced that Michael Davis, MD, PhD, and Karim Mikhail will become the permanent directors of the Centers for Drugs Evaluation and Research and the Centers for Biologics Evaluation and Research after serving as acting heads.

The moves are described as a step toward stability following a period of interim leadership at the agency, and acting FDA commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the appointments signal the direction of the organization.

The appointments occur while the nomination of Heidi Overton, MD, PhD, for FDA commissioner still awaits Senate confirmation, leaving the top post vacant.

Officials expect the permanent leadership will aid the FDA in attracting talent and strengthening its capacity to advance innovation across its centers.