FDA Names Dr. Sara Brenner as Acting Commissioner

Appointment:
Dr. Sara Brenner has been named the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of January 24, 202514.

Background:
Brenner previously served as the chief medical officer for in vitro diagnostics and associate director for medical affairs at the FDA1.

Responsibilities:
As acting commissioner, Brenner will oversee the FDA's human foods program, which is responsible for 80% of the nation's food supply, in addition to other agency responsibilities13.

Temporary Role:
Brenner will lead the FDA until a permanent commissioner is confirmed. President Donald Trump has nominated Marty Makary for the position, but he has not yet been confirmed by the Senate1.

Previous Experience:
Brenner has been at the FDA since 2019 and played a role in coordinating diagnostic standards and policy during the COVID-19 response. She also served as a senior policy advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under the first Trump administration1.

Sources:

1. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/01/acting-fda-commissioner-named/

3. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-commissioner

4. https://deal.town/questex/012725-the-most-anticipated-drug-launches-of-2025-fda-taps-diagnostics-cmo-as-interim-commissioner-F3MNCPVTKCV