Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026

Key Points:

• Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discussed a promising experimental mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine developed by Moderna and Merck, which helps high-risk melanoma patients live longer by training the immune system to recognize and prevent cancer recurrence.
• Gottlieb clarified that this treatment is not a traditional vaccine but a form of cancer immunotherapy using mRNA to elicit cancer-specific proteins that train T cells to detect recurring cancer cells.
• Regarding recent foodborne outbreaks, Gottlieb noted that recalls are not a definitive measure of FDA effectiveness, highlighting challenges such as produce sourced from cartel-controlled regions in Mexico that complicate inspections.
• Gottlieb expressed cautious optimism about Dr. Heidi Overton, the president’s nominee for FDA commissioner, citing her policy experience, leadership within the agency, and role in COVID-19 testing efforts, while acknowledging she will face tough congressional scrutiny.
• He predicted that Overton’s confirmation hearing will focus heavily on her vaccine stance and comments on abortion drug mifepristone, emphasizing the need for her to clearly support childhood immunization schedules amid a challenging political environment.