STAT+: At a time of tumult at FDA, a former commissioner is hopeful it’s on a better path

STAT PlusPolitics At a time of tumult at FDA, a former commissioner is hopeful it’s on a better path David Kessler said acting leader Kyle Diamantas has what it takes to bring stability Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Anil OzaMay 19, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza[email protected]Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. With the Food and Drug Administration facing upheaval and in the aftermath of a series of high-profile exits, former commissioner David Kessler sees an inflection point whereby the agency can now make a turn for the better. Kessler told an audience at STAT’s Breakthrough Summit West on Tuesday that he has high hopes that the FDA’s newly appointed acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, will be able to serve as a stabilizing force for the agency. Advertisement While Diamantas is an attorney and not, like most FDA commissioners, a medical doctor, Kessler said he had “great confidence” in him, adding: “I think he understands the process.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. 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, STAT+, STAT Summit Submit a correction requestReprints Anil Oza General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. Newsletter All the health and medical news you need today, in one email Recommended D.C. Diagnosis May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: TrumpRx adds generic drugs Business May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: White House taps Amazon, GoodRx, and Mark Cuban to bolster TrumpRx Advertisement Insurance May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s CMS to allow skimpier plans on ACA exchanges Health Care Inc. Newsletter May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Why the WakeMed – Atrium Health hospital merger matters Biotech May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court rejects challenge to Medicare drug price negotiation Subscriber Picks