Pfizer taps former FDA drug chief Cavazzoni as new CMO

Pfizer has appointed Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Executive Vice President2 3. This announcement comes shortly after Dr. Cavazzoni's departure from her role as the director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in January 20251 4.

Key Details

- Appointment Date:
February 24, 20252 4

- Previous Role:
Director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)1 3

- New Position:
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer2 3

- Reporting To:
Chris Boshoff, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Pfizer Research & Development3

Background

Dr. Cavazzoni brings over 25 years of experience in clinical development, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, and drug safety to her new role at Pfizer3. Her career includes:

Nearly two decades in the pharmaceutical industry, holding senior executive positions at Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi3
Seven years at the FDA, including her role as CDER director from 2020 to 20254
Previous employment at Pfizer in various clinical development leadership positions3

Significance

1. Industry Experience:
Dr. Cavazzoni's appointment marks a return to Pfizer, where she previously held senior vice president roles for about eight years2.

2. Regulatory Expertise:
During her tenure at CDER, Dr. Cavazzoni oversaw record numbers of new drug approvals, with 55 approvals in 2023 and 50 in 20247.

3. Timing:
Her departure from the FDA came just two days before President Donald Trump began his second term, during which significant cuts were made across federal health agencies4.

4. Leadership Changes:
This appointment is part of a series of recent leadership changes at Pfizer, including the retirement of former R&D head and Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten4.

Dr. Cavazzoni's transition from a top regulatory role to a senior position in the pharmaceutical industry has raised some eyebrows in Washington5, highlighting the ongoing discussion about the relationship between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee.