Heidi Overton, the presidential nominee for the Food and Drug Administration, plans to prioritize speed and efficiency at the agency to compete with China's accelerating biotechnology sector. In an opening statement prepared for her upcoming Senate confirmation hearing, Overton outlined a strategy focused on reducing delays in medical research and drug development.
Overton stated that President Donald Trump directed her to "go fast" if confirmed. She argued that slow and prohibitive requirements at the FDA are causing investment to flow toward China, which has developed methods to conduct research faster and cheaper. An advance copy of the statement was obtained by STAT.
The nominee expressed commitment to continuing the administration's earlier efforts to accelerate clinical trials through Operation Trailblazer. Overton said she would work with career professionals at the FDA to optimize every aspect of clinical trials and drug development. Her goal, according to the statement, is to ensure that cures reach patients faster and that all agency staff share these objectives.