HDA Statement on FDA Commissioner Nominee Dr. Robert Califf
November 12, 2021ARLINGTON, Va. — Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) President and CEO Chester “Chip” Davis, Jr., released the following statement regarding President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Robert Califf as FDA Commissioner.
“Our nation is at a crucial juncture in its response to COVID-19. As the vaccination effort continues to evolve and new antiviral drugs are developed, in addition to regulating the safety and security of the U.S. healthcare supply chain, the next FDA commissioner will play a critical role in ensuring our nation’s public health. Accordingly, HDA supports President Biden’s choice of Dr. Robert Califf to lead the FDA, given his far-reaching medical and pharmaceutical expertise and his firsthand knowledge of FDA operations, due to his previous experience overseeing the agency.
“FDA undoubtedly faces challenging COVID-related decisions in the coming year; however, both the agency and supply chain stakeholders also are at an important time, as we are only two years out from the final implementation date (November 27, 2023) for the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). The challenging work of DSCSA implementation, managed under FDA’s guidance, will ultimately realize one federal solution to trace prescription medications securely and accurately throughout the supply chain. HDA is leveraging the deep knowledge and expertise of its distributor members to help form productive partnerships with industry stakeholder groups, customers, and importantly, FDA, to help implement the DSCSA. Our industry appreciates the agency’s efforts to provide guidance and support to the supply chain on DSCSA implementation. Working alongside FDA, HDA will continue to share the unique perspectives of our distributor members as stakeholders work to comply with the law’s requirements.
“Healthcare distributors deliver more than 10 million medicines, vaccines, and healthcare products safely, efficiently, and reliably every day. HDA and its members look forward to continuing to work closely with FDA, under the new leadership of Dr. Califf, in supporting the storage and distribution of COVID vaccines and therapies, implementation of the DSCSA and other initiatives to help make sure that lifesaving medicines are available to patients when and where they need them.”
Background Information
HDA Blog: How Distributors Are Helping America Get Vaccinated
Information from FDA about the Drug Supply Chain Security Act
About HDA
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) represents primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. Since 1876, HDA has helped members navigate regulations and innovations to get the right medicines to the right patients at the right time, safely and efficiently. The HDA Research Foundation, HDA’s nonprofit charitable foundation, serves the healthcare industry by providing research and education focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues.