AHI Supports FDA Restructuring Announcement

January 31, 2023

The Animal Health Institute supports the restructuring announced by Food and Drug Commissioner Robert M. Califf. The new structure maintains the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as a stand-alone center while coordinating its food safety activities with the new Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods.

“This is a practical and common-sense approach that recognizes the importance of CVM and its wide mission,” said AHI President and CEO Alexander S. Mathews. “One of the central responsibilities of the Center is the efficient review of new animal drugs and other products to help spur innovation and meet an array of unmet medical needs in both companion and food animals. A stand-alone Center with direct access to the Commissioner will help meet this challenge.”

Animal medicines approved by CVM help veterinarians, food producers, and pet owners meet a number of societal goals, including food safety, sustainability, and promotion of the human-animal bond. In the U.S., just over 60 percent of the sales of products approved for animal health are for companion animals.

“This approach makes sense, and we look forward to working with the Center to drive innovation in animal health,” said Mathews.