Pfizer on Monday named the former head of the U.S. health regulator's drug evaluation unit, Patrizia Cavazzoni, as its chief medical officer, bringing back an industry veteran to lead its regulatory and drug safety operations.

The former head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug division is joining Pfizer as its chief medical officer, the company announced Monday. Patrizia Cavazzoni was formerly director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) from 2020 until January,

Cavazzoni stepped down from her role as head of the FDA’s main drug review office in mid-January. She will succeed Aida Habtezion.

Pfizer Inc. appointed the Food and Drug Administration’s former top drug reviewer to serve as its chief medical officer.