Former FDA drug regulator Patrizia Cavazzoni’s return to Pfizer as chief medical officer reignites concerns over the “revolving door” between regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry.
Top Takeaways
- Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, former FDA drug evaluation director, rejoins Pfizer as chief medical officer.
- The move exemplifies the controversial “revolving door” between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee.
- Critics argue such transitions undermine the FDA’s credibility and independence.
- Public health advocates call for reforms to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
- New HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledges to address the issue.
FDA to Pfizer: The Revolving Door Continues
In a move that has raised eyebrows across the pharmaceutical and regulatory landscape, Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, the former director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, has returned to Pfizer as chief medical officer. This transition has reignited the debate over the controversial “revolving door” between government regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee.
Cavazzoni’s career path exemplifies this revolving door phenomenon. She initially moved from Pfizer to the FDA in 2018, where she served as deputy director for operations before assuming the role of director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in 2020. Her tenure at the FDA concluded in January 2025, shortly before her announced return to Pfizer.
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
Critics Voice Concerns Over Regulatory Integrity
The announcement of Cavazzoni’s return to Pfizer has drawn sharp criticism from public health advocates and watchdog groups. Dr. Robert Steinbrook, Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, voiced his concerns about the implications of such moves for regulatory integrity.
“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.”
Critics argue that such transitions between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee can lead to potential conflicts of interest and undermine public trust in the regulatory process. There are concerns that regulators may be influenced by the prospect of future employment in the industry, potentially affecting their decision-making while in office.
A Pattern of Transitions
Cavazzoni’s case is not isolated. Other high-profile examples of this revolving door include Scott Gottlieb and Robert Califf, both former FDA officials who transitioned to industry roles after their government service. These recurring instances have amplified calls for stricter regulations and extended “cooling-off” periods for former regulators.
At Pfizer, Cavazzoni will assume the role of Chief Medical Officer. Her responsibilities will include overseeing global regulatory interactions, monitoring drug safety, and providing medical information to doctors.
Calls for Reform and New Commitments
The issue has caught the attention of policymakers and the new administration. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the recently confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, has pledged to address the revolving door phenomenon. During his Senate confirmation, Kennedy committed to not accepting compensation from related industries for four years after leaving his position.
“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.”
As the debate continues, there is growing pressure for legislative oversight to safeguard the independence and credibility of regulatory institutions. Advocates are calling for a reevaluation of policies to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure that regulatory bodies maintain their objectivity in effectively supervising the pharmaceutical sector.
