In support of Dr. Robert Califf’s recent nomination to FDA Commissioner, Friends has joined with numerous other organizations to urge the Senate towards immediate confirmation for Dr. Califf.

Full text of the letter is below. Access a PDF version HERE.

Dear Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray:

The undersigned organizations, representing millions of patients, advocates, caregivers and health care providers would like to enthusiastically endorse President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Robert Califf as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We ask that the Senate take immediate action to confirm Dr. Califf.

The United States is at a pivotal moment in terms of public health, and the leadership that Dr. Califf will bring to the FDA will be paramount to assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human drugs, and helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective, safer, and more affordable.

Dr. Califf’s career has focused on vital issues that directly impact patients’ lives. As Vice Chancellor of Clinical and Translational Research at Duke University, Dr. Califf led numerous landmark clinical studies. He became a nationally and internationally recognized expert in cardiovascular medicine, health outcomes research, health care quality, and clinical research. He is one of the nation’s leaders in the growing field of translational research – key to making sure advances in science translate into medical care.

Dr. Califf also has had vast experience working with FDA. Prior to his appointment to Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco, he served as a member of the FDA Cardiorenal Advisory Panel and FDA Science Board’s Subcommittee on Science and Technology. His prior work with the agency will prove invaluable and beneficial.

We believe that with Dr. Califf’s diverse background, and his exemplary knowledge of clinical and translational medicine, he will continue to improve the FDA’s drug approval process while ensuring that patients are receiving the safest and most effective treatments as quickly as possible. We urge his immediate confirmation.

Sincerely,