The news: Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon, was confirmed by the Senate this week as FDA commissioner. Makary will work underneath HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and will lead an agency responsible for drugs, vaccines, and medical devices in the US.

Catch up quick: Makary’s medical background and less polarizing stance on issues like vaccines and proven science made his testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee less contentious than the HHS Secretary’s Senate hearings.

Yes, but: Makary appears aligned with Kennedy in a few key areas that could affect pharma companies—namely, cuts to the FDA workforce, prescription drug prices, and questioning vaccine effectiveness.