Biden announces former Obama FDA commissioner Robert Califf to lead FDA again

Professor is "one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country," president said.

President Joe Biden on Friday announced the nomination of Robert Califf to head up the Food and Drug Administration again, urging the Senate to quickly confirm him a second time.

Califf, who served in the same role near the end of then-President Barack Obama's second term, is "one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country, and has the experience and expertise to lead the Food and Drug Administration during a critical time in our nation's fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic," Biden said in a statement announcing the pick.

"I am confident Dr. Califf will ensure that the FDA continues its science and data driven decision-making," the president added, pointing out that Califf enjoyed "strong bipartisan support in the Senate in 2016."

Califf is currently a professor of medicine at Duke University.