US Health Agency Plans Two New FDA Deputy Commissioner Roles

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing to create two new deputy commissioner positions at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to sources familiar with the matter.

One of the proposed roles would focus on technology, including healthcare applications and artificial intelligence. The other would oversee drug-related matters. While the plans are in motion, no final decisions have been made, and the agency has not yet made any formal announcements.

Jared Seehafer has emerged as the leading candidate for the technology-focused position, according to three people familiar with the discussions. The report did not identify a candidate for the drug oversight role.

This development comes as the FDA navigates a period of transition. Last week, President Donald Trump nominated White House policy aide Heidi Overton to lead the agency. Overton, an "America First" ally, is expected to address challenges including staff losses, low morale, and ongoing disputes over vaccines, the abortion pill, and drug approvals. Her appointment requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

The agency has been under acting leadership since May, when former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned after 13 months. Makary's tenure ended amid clashes with White House officials over flavored vapes, a stalled abortion-pill safety study, and public disagreements with drugmakers over reviews of medicines and vaccines.

Kyle Diamantas has served as acting FDA chief since then. Under his leadership, the agency has reversed course on several drug approvals or reopened regulatory reviews for rare-disease therapies from companies including Regenxbio, uniQure, and Replimune.