Overview
- Marty Makary, who resigned Tuesday, was confirmed out by President Trump as Kyle Diamantas stepped in as acting FDA commissioner.
- The exit followed a high‑profile clash over fruit‑flavored e‑cigarettes, after which the FDA adopted a policy that opened a path for such products following White House pressure.
- Anti‑abortion groups had pressed Makary over the abortion pill mifepristone, and with court fights ongoing they now urge a successor who could tighten access.
- HHS spokesman Rich Danker resigned in protest over flavored vapes, and major health posts like CDC director and surgeon general remain vacant at an agency that regulates products touching more than a fifth of the U.S. economy.
- Biotech stocks rose about 1% Tuesday on hopes for a reset, yet analysts warn uncertainty will persist until a permanent commissioner is named, with Stephen Hahn and Brett Giroir among those under consideration, according to Reuters.