FDA leadership shakeup draws response from CHPA

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) on Tuesday acknowledged the resignation of FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and emphasized the need for regulatory stability amid ongoing leadership changes at the agency.

In a statement, CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville thanked Makary for his public service and highlighted his support for self-care and over-the-counter healthcare products during his tenure.

“Throughout his tenure, Commissioner Makary consistently recognized and publicly emphasized the important role self-care products play in expanding access, lowering costs, and helping Americans more easily manage their health,” Melville said.

The trade association, which represents manufacturers and marketers of OTC medicines and dietary supplements, said the pace of leadership turnover at the FDA over the past year has created uncertainty for industry stakeholders.

“The unprecedented pace of leadership transition across the FDA this past year underscores the need for regulatory stability, predictability, and continuity,” Melville said. “It’s essential to protect public health, maintain consumer confidence, and enable industry innovation.”

Makary’s resignation was reported on Tuesday, with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food and Drug Safety Kyle Diamantas expected to serve as acting commissioner. The leadership change comes amid heightened scrutiny of healthcare affordability, regulatory oversight and consumer access to self-care products.

CHPA said it plans to continue working closely with Diamantas and FDA leadership on policies tied to access and affordability.

“CHPA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Acting Commissioner Diamantas and the broader FDA leadership team to help translate access and affordability priorities into policies and actions that expand Americans’ ability to obtain safe, effective, and reliable self-care products,” Melville said.