New FDA Oncology Center chief Angelo de Claro pledges AI integration and trial expansion

Angelo de Claro, M.D., has taken over as the permanent head of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence after serving as acting director since late 2025. In his first interview, he said the agency will keep building on the work of his predecessor, Richard Pazdur, while adding new capabilities.

De Claro highlighted a plan to embed artificial intelligence tools into the regulatory review process, simplify the pathway for oncology drug development, and increase participation of U.S. patients in clinical trials.

His appointment marks the first confirmed senior FDA leader on the drug evaluation side since a broader leadership reshuffle, and his insider experience is intended to provide stability and continuity for the center that oversees many high-profile cancer drug approvals.