Activities
Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Confirmed as FDA Commissioner
Following her May 7, 2009, testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg has been confirmed as Commissioner of Food and Drugs. The Senate confirmed the appointment by voice vote on May 18, 2009. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA's Principal Deputy Commissioner, has been serving as Acting Commissioner pending her Senate confirmation.
Dr. Hamburg's testimony validated the Administration's objective to develop a vaccine for the H1N1 virus and diagnostic tests to discover it. Additional priorities to be addressed under her leadership include food safety and monitoring of medical products. In her prepared testimony, Dr. Hamburg is quoted as saying: "As FDA Commissioner I would strive to lead an agency that appropriately balances innovation with regulation."