Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting head of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), will retire in July, adding to a recent wave of departures from the agency. Corrigan-Curay, a practicing internist, had been with the FDA for nine years, previously serving as director of CDER’s Office of Medical Policy.

Her departure follows the recent ousting of Nicole Verdun, chief reviewer of cell and gene therapies, and CBER deputy director Celia Witten. Several other senior FDA officials have left in the past six months, with over half of the agency’s senior leadership changing roles or leaving entirely.

The exits are occurring amid reported internal power consolidation and following planned HHS layoffs, though leadership at CDER and OND were initially excluded from those cuts. The ongoing turnover raises concerns about stability within the agency responsible for drug approval and oversight. Corrigan-Curay stated she will remain for several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.