Pfizer veteran Scott Gottlieb backs FDA nominee Heidi Overton amid revolving-door concerns
Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb, now a Pfizer board member, is actively promoting Heidi Overton’s nomination as the next FDA commissioner, sparking criticism over pharma-government connections.
Scott Gottlieb, after serving as FDA commissioner, joined Pfizer’s board and is now championing Heidi Overton’s bid to lead the agency, two former administration insiders claim. They allege Gottlieb is assisting with her Senate preparation, while another source describes his role as a courtesy without substantive input. Overton, linked to a Trump-era executive order easing childhood-vaccination rules, must win over critics of pharmaceutical influence and secure votes from senators who accept drug-company donations. aides tied to Gottlieb, including former chief of staff Lauren Silvis and policy aide Lowell Schiller, have reportedly met with Overton, possibly sharing operational details.
Gottlieb has received $2.5 million in cash and stock from Pfizer since 2019, highlighting concerns about the revolving-door dynamic. The confirmation outcome could shape the FDA’s future approach to drug innovation and vaccine policy.
Why it matters
The nominee’s close ties to Pfizer may influence the FDA’s independence on drug and vaccine decisions.
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