Latest outlook for FDA commissioner has choice narrowed to 2 (again)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest potential finalists for the job of U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner are Joshua Sharfstein, the current Baltimore health commissioner, and Margaret Hamburg, a former assistant secretary of health and human services in the Clinton Administration, according to The Washington Post.

Sharfstein’s has been an oft-mentioned name on the unofficial list circulating among press members. He was listed among the previous most popular final two with Duke cardiologist Robert Califf. A report earlier this month claimed Califf had cinched the nomination.

Former Sen. Tom Daschle withdrawing as nominee to head the Department for the Health and Human Services early this month may have changed the lineup for FDA commissioner.

Sharfstein also was a former health policy adviser to Democratic Congressman Henry A. Waxman and has Waxman’s endorsement for the job, according the Post. Hamburg was assistant secretary of health and human services for policy and evaluation for Pres. Bill Clinton but also served as New York City’s health commissioner. Sen. Edward Kennedy backs Hamburg, The Post states. (Hat tip EyeOnFDA)