FDA Drug Chief Corrigan-Curay to Retire Amid Turmoil

Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), has announced she will retire in July, joining a wave of senior departures at the agency. Corrigan-Curay, who has been with the FDA since 2016 and became acting CDER head in January, cited personal reflection and support from colleagues in her decision. More than half of the agency’s senior leadership has left or been replaced in the past six months, with some departures reportedly due to political appointees. The succession plan for her role remains unclear, with speculation focusing on Merck alum Karim Mikhail. Staff reactions to the turnover range from concern to emotional distress, highlighting uncertainty within the FDA. These changes come as the agency undergoes broader restructuring and faces political pressures.