Former FDA official Patrizia Cavazzoni’s return to Pfizer as chief medical officer reignites concerns over the “revolving door” between regulators and the pharmaceutical industry.
Quick Takes
- Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, former FDA drug evaluation director, rejoins Pfizer as chief medical officer
- Move highlights ongoing “revolving door” issue between FDA and pharmaceutical industry
- Critics argue such transitions undermine FDA’s credibility and independence
- New HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledges to address industry transitions
- Calls for reforms to maintain regulatory integrity and public trust
FDA Official’s Return to Pfizer Sparks Controversy
The pharmaceutical industry and its regulatory bodies are once again under scrutiny as Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, former director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, returns to Pfizer as chief medical officer. This transition has reignited debates about the “revolving door” phenomenon between government agencies and the industries they oversee, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the independence of regulatory decisions.
Cavazzoni’s career path exemplifies the contentious issue at hand. She initially moved from Pfizer to the FDA in 2018, ascending to a key leadership role before resigning in January 2025. Her return to Pfizer has drawn criticism from watchdog groups and industry observers.
Another FDA “expert” gets her BigPharma golden parachute.
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Pfizer appoints FDA’s former top drug reviewer Patrizia Cavazzoni to be its chief medical officerCavazzoni worked for Pfizer prior to leaving for the FDA in 2020, where she served as Director of the FDA’s Center for… https://t.co/RIG2SzWhdp pic.twitter.com/CjBMmS2LN2
— Prodigal (@ProdigalThe3rd) February 24, 2025
Concerns Over Regulatory Independence
Critics argue that such transitions between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee compromises the impartiality required in regulatory roles. Dr. Robert Steinbrook, Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, voiced his concerns about the implications of Cavazzoni’s move.
“Patrizia Cavazzoni left Pfizer in 2018 to work at the FDA, so her return to Pfizer after leaving the FDA is totally unsurprising.” Dr. Steinbrook stated, “Cavazzoni’s move demonstrates that the revolving door between the FDA and the industries it regulates is alive and well and continues to undermine the FDA’s credibility as a public health agency.”
This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the erosion of public trust in regulatory institutions. Steinbrook further suggested that the FDA should prioritize recruiting high-ranking officials without industry ties, who commit to not transitioning to industry jobs after their tenure.
Historical Context and Ongoing Debate
Cavazzoni’s case is not isolated. It follows a pattern of high-profile transitions between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies, including former FDA officials Scott Gottlieb and Robert Califf. These moves have consistently sparked debate about the need for stricter regulations to maintain the integrity of regulatory processes.
The issue has gained renewed attention with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services. During his Senate confirmation, Kennedy committed to not accepting compensation from related industries for four years after leaving his position, signaling a potential shift in approach to these industry transitions.
“Will you commit that when you leave this job, you will not accept compensation from a drug company, a medical device company, a hospital system, or a health insurer for at least four years—including as a lobbyist or board member?” asked Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Kennedy responded, “I’m happy to commit to that.”
Looking Ahead: Balancing Expertise and Integrity
As Cavazzoni prepares to lead Pfizer’s regulatory, pharmacovigilance, and drug safety operations, the industry and public alike are left to grapple with the implications of such career transitions. While her extensive experience in both regulatory and industry roles provides valuable expertise to Pfizer, it highlights the compromised relationship between regulators and the regulated. The ongoing debate surrounding the “revolving door” phenomenon underscores the need for policy adjustments to maintain the credibility of regulatory institutions.
