FDA Official Tracy Beth Hoeg Removed Amid Agency Shake-Up
Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg, a Food and Drug Administration official known for scrutinizing the safety of antidepressants and COVID-19 vaccines, has been removed from her role as the agency's acting drug center director. Dr. Mike Davis will replace her, according to an email sent to FDA staff. Hoeg's departure follows a series of leadership changes at the FDA, including the resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary and the stepping down of Dr. Vinay Prasad, the agency's vaccine and biotech chief. Hoeg, who had no previous government or management experience, was promoted by Makary to oversee the FDA's largest center, responsible for regulating most U.S. prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Her investigations into the safety of various drugs reflected her longstanding interests and concerns, which she had expressed in blog posts and podcasts. 
