Washington, D.C. — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) issued the following statement today from Scott Melville, president and CEO, regarding the confirmation of Robert Califf, M.D., as the new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner:
“Dr. Califf is a highly respected clinician and researcher with an outstanding record of public service, including previously serving as FDA commissioner. CHPA applauds the confirmation of Dr. Califf as FDA Commissioner once again, an experienced choice to lead the Agency at such an important time for public health.
“The recent pandemic exposed the critical importance of personal healthcare in public health which Dr. Califf recognizes. Safe, beneficial, affordable, and accessible self-care products including OTC medicines like pain relievers, dietary supplements like immune support products, and consumer medical devices like face masks and at-home test kits are essential for diagnosis, prevention, care, and overall wellness of Americans.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Califf on shared priorities, including OTC Monograph reform implementation, modernization of the regulatory framework for dietary supplements, and expansion of conditions for safe use of nonprescription medicines to enable innovations including Rx-to-OTC switch.”