Patrizia Cavazzoni’s FDA Departure: What Does Her Move Mean for Drug Oversight?

Former FDA drug regulator Patrizia Cavazzoni’s return to Pfizer as chief medical officer ignites fresh concerns over regulatory independence.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, former FDA drug evaluation director, rejoins Pfizer as chief medical officer.
• The move exemplifies the controversial “revolving door” 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-regulator transitions.
• Calls for stricter policies to maintain regulatory objectivity intensify.

Cavazzoni’s Career Shift Sparks Debate

Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, who led the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research from 2020 until January 2025, has rejoined Pfizer as chief medical officer. This move has reignited concerns about the “revolving door” between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee. Cavazzoni’s transition from Pfizer to the FDA in 2018 and back to Pfizer in 2025 exemplifies a pattern that critics argue compromises regulatory integrity.

Public health advocacy groups, including Public Citizen, have voiced strong objections to this practice. Dr. Robert Steinbrook, Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, emphasized the detrimental impact of such career moves on the FDA’s public image.

“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.”

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 officer

Cavazzoni 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

Implications for FDA Credibility

The transition of high-ranking officials between regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the objectivity of drug approvals. Critics argue that such moves could compromise the impartiality of regulatory enforcement and erode public trust in the FDA’s decision-making processes.

Cavazzoni’s career trajectory, which includes senior roles at Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi before her FDA tenure, highlights the close ties between regulators and the pharmaceutical industry. This pattern is not unique to Cavazzoni; other notable examples include Scott Gottlieb and Robert Califf, former FDA officials who transitioned to industry roles after their government service.

Calls for Reform and Political Response

The ongoing debate surrounding the “revolving door” has prompted calls for stricter regulations and policy reforms. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers argue for extended cooling-off periods and more stringent ethical guidelines for former regulators entering industry positions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, has pledged to address these concerns. During his Senate confirmation, Kennedy committed to not accepting compensation from related industries for four years after leaving his position, responding to growing public and legislative scrutiny of the revolving door phenomenon.

“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.”

Cavazzoni’s New Role at Pfizer

At Pfizer, Cavazzoni’s responsibilities will include overseeing global regulatory interactions, monitoring drug safety, and providing medical information to doctors. This position places her at the forefront of Pfizer’s regulatory strategy and drug safety operations.

The timing of Cavazzoni’s departure from the FDA, ahead of Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS Secretary, and her swift transition to a leadership role at Pfizer has intensified the debate surrounding regulatory independence. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, the movement of personnel between regulatory agencies and industry players remains a contentious issue that demands ongoing scrutiny and policy reforms.