Reflecting on Janet Woodcock’s retirement from FDA

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

Last month, FDA withdrew a proposed rule for standardized asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics. The proposed rule, introduced in Nov. 2024 and withdrawn Nov. 2025, was mandated by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 or MoCRA.

December 17, 2025

Regulatory News

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

FDA has withdrawn a proposed rule that called for standardized testing for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products.

December 12, 2025

Vol.51 No.45

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act, a bill to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases.

December 12, 2025

Vol.51 No.45

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb speaks out against CDC vaccine panel

Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner, said a recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ to change its recommendation for when children should receive the hepatitis B vaccine is another sign of the ACIP’s diminished credibility as a scientific authority.

Pazdur leaves FDA after 25-year career that shaped the agency’s oncology regulations
BIO calls for the end of “constant turmoil,” urges the administration to “right the ship”

After three weeks of brutal combat, Richard Pazdur decided that he has had enough.

Vinay Prasad to CBER employees: “It is not wise for FDA to further pollute the scientific literature with papers we cannot defend”

Vinay Prasad, FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer and director of the agency’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, has instructed his staff to check with him before continuing to work on ongoing submissions to journals or beginning new contract-funded projects to “ensure that we are not engaging in sunk cost fallacy, not publishing obviously erroneous work, and not being distracted from our core mission.”

December 05, 2025

Vol.51 No.44

By Jacquelyn Cobb

Reflecting on Janet Woodcock’s retirement from FDA

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb speaks out against CDC vaccine panel

Pazdur leaves FDA after 25-year career that shaped the agency’s oncology regulations
BIO calls for the end of “constant turmoil,” urges the administration to “right the ship”

Vinay Prasad to CBER employees: “It is not wise for FDA to further pollute the scientific literature with papers we cannot defend”

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Reflecting on Janet Woodcock’s retirement from FDA

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Testing for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics seems like a no-brainer—why did FDA withdraw a rule to standardize it?

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmeticsIt’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

House passes Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act—next step, the Senate

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb speaks out against CDC vaccine panel

Pazdur leaves FDA after 25-year career that shaped the agency’s oncology regulationsBIO calls for the end of “constant turmoil,” urges the administration to “right the ship”

Vinay Prasad to CBER employees: “It is not wise for FDA to further pollute the scientific literature with papers we cannot defend”

Never miss an issue!

Login

FDA withdraws proposed rule for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics
It’s anyone’s guess whether the agency is preparing to strengthen or relax talc regulation

Pazdur leaves FDA after 25-year career that shaped the agency’s oncology regulations
BIO calls for the end of “constant turmoil,” urges the administration to “right the ship”