For now, agency appears to be in early stages of testing alternative inspection models beyond the flexibility it has been applying throughout the pandemic.

Significant resources will likely depend on the next user fee agreement, but the launch of a Digital Health Center of Excellence will help the US FDA better prioritize ongoing work in the emerging field and help to identify needs for new talent, Deputy Commissioner Abernethy says.

A Senate Health Committee update hearing on the COVID-19 federal response was noteworthy primarily for demonstrating that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn appears to have salvaged the agency’s position as a voice of credibility with a key political constituency – at least for now.