FDA Basic Video: Margaret Oeller (Video)

 

What does the Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Do?

Dr. Margaret Oeller is the Director of FDA’s Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Drug Development. The Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Drug Development was established as mandated by the Minor Use and Minor Species (MUMS) Animal Health Act of 2004. It is the smallest Office in the Center for Veterinary Medicine and its mission is similar to the Office of Orphan Products for human drugs and devices. “Minor species are all species…that aren’t major species,” says Oeller, explaining that “… we have aquaculture; we have zoo animals; we have lab animals; we have game birds, sheep, goats, llama’s … everything [else]” which is considered a minor species. When asked the source of her excitement as Office Director, Oeller believes the Office really is making a difference, with much of her success attributed to her prior experience as a field veterinarian. For Oeller, it’s fulfilling to see something go from an initial need all the way through to a new drug approval which is celebrated as a milestone achievement in the Office of Minor Use and Minor Species. While there’s still significant ground to cover and many other minor species to consider, Oeller’s passion for what she does is the driving force behind future Office initiatives.