Eric Cantor Tapped to Lead PhRMA Amid Industry Shifts

Rob Davis, chairman of the PhRMA Board and CEO of Merck, cited Cantor’s dual expertise in global business and high-level government policy as the deciding factor for the appointment. During his congressional career representing Virginia from 2000 to 2014, Cantor navigated complex legislative landscapes, contributing to the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and laying foundations for the 21st Century Cures Act, which aimed to accelerate FDA medicine approvals. Since 2014, Cantor has served as Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Moelis & Company, a position he will retain alongside his new responsibilities at the trade association.

Cantor inherits an organization at a critical juncture, as the industry faces intensifying pressure over drug pricing and evolving regulatory frameworks. He plans to prioritize the integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery while continuing to lobby for policies that bolster U.S. biopharmaceutical research. Ubl, who has led the organization since 2015, will remain on board as a strategic advisor until January 15, 2027, to facilitate a transition period that the board describes as a move toward the industry's next chapter.