STAT+: FDA drug center head Tracy Beth Høeg leaves as agency faces leadership vacuum

Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53.WASHINGTON — The acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug center, Tracy Beth Høeg, is leaving the agency, according to an email obtained by STAT. The news comes days after Commissioner Marty Makary handed in his resignation. Michael Davis, currently the center’s deputy director, will take over as acting director. The FDA and Høeg did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters and Bloomberg first reported the news. Katherine Szarama, the acting director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, is also leaving the agency. Karim Mikhail, who joined the FDA in 2025 as a senior adviser in the office of the commissioner, will replace her. He was previously CEO of the pharmaceutical company Amarin. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe