Washington, D.C. – The White House announced today it will nominate Dr. Stephen Hahn, an oncologist and chief medical executive at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“From reviewing and approving innovative therapies, to being given the mandate to regulate the entire tobacco industry, the work of the FDA plays a central role in the fight against cancer. The importance of installing a permanent commissioner to lead the agency forward cannot be understated and we look forward to following Dr. Hahn’s Senate confirmation process in the coming weeks and months. It is our hope members can work in a bipartisan fashion to swiftly consider Dr. Hahn’s nomination to serve as FDA commissioner as soon as possible.
“Our work to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in the United States cannot be done without the FDA. It will be vital that the new FDA commissioner continue to advance and implement policies endorsed by previous FDA commissioners, and Secretary Azar, to curb the skyrocketing rates of youth tobacco use. Other initiatives to expand consumer access to ground-breaking therapies and affordable medications, while prioritizing patient safety, must also continue to move forward.
“ACS CAN appreciates the leadership Dr. Ned Sharpless has provided in his role as acting FDA commissioner for the better part of the past year. Dr. Sharpless has been a strong advocate and ally for the cancer community throughout his career both at the National Cancer Institute and at the FDA.