Wade Ackerman

Through more than a decade of experience in private practice and positions within the FDA and on the Hill, Wade Ackerman has acquired a deep understanding of and unique insight into the legal and regulatory issues facing companies marketing FDA-regulated products. As part of Covington’s California life sciences practice, Mr. Ackerman advises clients on FDA regulatory matters across a range of sectors, including drugs and biologics, medical devices and diagnostics, and digital health associated with drugs and traditional devices.

Until June 2016, Mr. Ackerman served as Senior FDA Counsel to the U.S. Senate Health Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee. In this role, he was involved in all major legislative initiatives, oversight hearings, and other Senate activities concerning the FDA and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. From January 2015 through June 2016, he helped negotiate many of the FDA-related provisions in the 21st Century Cures Act, including reforms to FDA’s review and approval of drugs, devices, combination products, and health software. He also worked closely with the FDA and other stakeholders as Congress examined legislative reforms in other key areas, including diagnostics/LDTs, cosmetics, and over-the-counter drugs.