Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has raised concerns about the current administration’s handling of a deadly measles outbreak and its plan to improve the infant formula supply. Speaking at STAT’s Breakthrough Summit East, Gottlieb criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s response to the measles outbreak, stating that it lacked a strong push for vaccination and instead focused on parental choice and the use of vitamin A as a treatment. While vitamin A can improve survival chances in measles cases, some experts question its benefits for non-malnourished children.
Tom Frieden, former CDC director, also criticized Kennedy’s approach to the measles outbreak, warning that his vaccine skepticism combined with the administration’s cuts to federal health programs could lead to a public health disaster.
Gottlieb also questioned the administration’s newly unveiled plan, “Operation Stork Speed,” aimed at improving American infant formula. The plan includes better labeling, increased testing for heavy metals, more importation of foreign formula, and health outcomes research. However, Gottlieb expressed skepticism about whether emulating European regulatory standards for infant formula would truly benefit the U.S. market.
With concerns about the FDA food center’s lack of resources and potential staff cuts, Gottlieb compared the sluggishness of the administration’s plan to the slow flight speed of a stork. He also mentioned Marty Makary, President Trump’s FDA nominee, awaiting a confirmation vote in the Senate.
In addition, Gottlieb, who sits on Pfizer’s board, addressed the impact of the Trump administration’s tariff war on drugmakers. He called for more thoughtful policies to incentivize companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., rather than drastic measures.
Gottlieb also referenced his recent article in STAT questioning Kennedy’s suggestion to allow bird flu to spread freely through flocks. He emphasized the importance of preventing infections in the first place to avoid skyrocketing egg prices. Overall, Gottlieb’s remarks highlight the need for a more proactive and evidence-based approach to public health challenges under the current administration.
