More than 200 patient, consumer, industry, research, and government stakeholders joined the Foundation’s Annual Public Meeting of our Board of Directors on May 16, 2022. The event featured candid discussions with senior FDA leadership on topics ranging from data interoperability, food safety, and FDA’s plans for a return to in-person events. See highlights from the meeting below.

FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, sat down with our Board Chair, Ellen V. Sigal, PhD, to discuss FDA’s priorities and how the Foundation can work with the agency in support of its mission. Among the key topics they explored were real-world evidence, tobacco product oversight, and FDA’s food portfolio.

Foundation CEO Susan C. Winckler, RPh, Esq. then talked about priorities, challenges, and opportunities for partnership with FDA’s Deputy Commissioners:

• Janet Woodcock, MD, Principal Deputy Commissioner

• Andi Lipstein Fristedt, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs

• James Sigg, Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Chief Operating Officer

• Frank Yiannas, MPH, Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response

Watch the video below to hear their perspectives on the new Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-H), Accelerated Approval, Food Safety Modernization Act, infant formula, operational challenges, and more.

Acting Chief Scientist Jacqueline O'Shaughnessy, PhD, helped round out the discussion with FDA leadership, highlighting the role of collaboration between FDA and the Foundation in advancing regulatory science “to protect and promote the public health.”