STAT+: FDA leadership shakeup widens following Makary’s departure

STAT PlusBreaking News FDA drug center head Tracy Beth Høeg leaves as agency faces leadership vacuum Departure comes days after Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lizzy LawrenceMay 15, 2026 FDA Reporter Lizzy Lawrence[email protected]Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. WASHINGTON — The acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug center, Tracy Beth Høeg, is leaving the agency, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The news comes days after Commissioner Marty Makary handed in his resignation. Michael Davis, currently the center’s deputy director, will take over as acting director. The FDA and Høeg did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Reuters and Bloomberg first reported the news. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In FDA, HHS, STAT+, Vaccines Submit a correction requestReprints Lizzy Lawrence FDA Reporter Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Politics May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Makary departs FDA amid turmoil as Diamantas, agency’s top food official, steps in Politics May 8, 2026 Trump reportedly plans to fire FDA Commissioner Makary Advertisement Exclusive May 7, 2026 Official leading CDC’s cruise ship program retires Biotech May 7, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA to reconsider treatment for rare cancer after its surprise rejection Exclusive May 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Sanofi asks to pull diabetes drug out of FDA voucher program after political appointee interfered with review Subscriber Picks