What We're Reading: Budget and Opioids; FDA Chief Balancing Act; New Drug Czar

White House Budget to Include Almost $17 Billion to Battle Opioids

The White House’s fiscal 2019 budget set to be released Monday will include nearly $17 billion for the opioid epidemic, The Hill reported. HHS will received the bulk of the money to expand prevention, treatment, recovery and mental health services—$3 billion for 2018 and $10 billion for 2019.

FDA Chief Balancing Interests in Conventional Way, Winning Over Some Skeptics

Scott Gottlieb, MD, is approaching his FDA job as chief of the agency in a more conventional way than other administration appointees, The New York Times reported this weekend. He is keeping both the president and industry supporters satisfied while also quieting some skeptics, and is trying to balance protecting public health while also offering rewards to industry.

National Drug Office Set to Get New Policy Chief

The While House deputy chief of staff, an attorney with no public health experience, is slated to become the next head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, STAT reported. Jim Carroll would serve as the administration’s next drug czar. In related news, health advocates are waiting to see if the office is still slated to see its budget cut 95% in the administration’s upcoming budget.