White House Dismisses Janet Woodcock As Permanent FDA Commissioner Candidate: Bloomberg

The Biden Administration has ruled out the nomination of acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock as permanent head of the agency, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter.
The search continues for a permanent leader during this crucial period for full approval of COVID-19 vaccines.
The report in Bloomberg notes that Woodcock has faced "firm opposition on Capitol Hill," notably from Senator Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, a key swing vote in the evenly divided chamber.
Related: Senator Joe Manchin Urges President Biden Not To Nominate Janet Woodcock As FDA Commissioner.
Manchin criticized the agency over the controversial accelerated approval this year of Biogen Inc's BIIB Alzheimer's drug.
The White House has made no public announcement regarding the decision, but officials have reportedly concluded in private that she won't be the nominee.
Woodcock has been at the FDA for 35 years and is set to end her term on November 15 unless the administration nominates a permanent replacement before then. She can serve in the role as the nomination proceeds.
During an interview at STAT's Breakthrough Science Summit, Woodcock acknowledged that Biogen drug's approval process could have potentially been handled differently.
Price Action: BIIB shares closed up 0.92% at $341.74 on Friday.