Silicon Valley just lost a friend with the exit of Gottlieb from the FDA

In his two years as commissioner of the FDA, Gottlieb, a doctor and former venture capitalist, gained a reputation as a proponent of health-care innovation, including pharmaceutical companies bringing new drugs to market.

He helped to establish a digital health software program called Pre-Cert to provide a way for tech companies like Apple and Samsung to get quicker approval for low-risk health products. Last September, Apple received clearance to market an electrocardiogram app and sensor on its Apple Watch, the company’s biggest move into the health-care market.

Gottlieb issued a statement at the time to encourage Apple and other tech companies to push into health care, especially if they could help consumers engage more proactively with their health.

“Scott did a lot culturally to make the agency easier to work with,” said Bob Kocher, a partner at venture capital firm Venrock, investing in health-technology. “I think he’ll be missed by many in the tech industry, including the start-ups.”’