Richard Pazdur Appointed Director of FDA’s Drug Center Amid Controversy

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration has appointed Richard Pazdur, a veteran in cancer therapy regulation, as the new director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This transition comes after the resignation of George Tidmarsh, who left the agency under scrutiny for alleged misuse of regulatory power and internal conflicts with other FDA leadership.

Pazdur’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by the FDA to stabilize its leadership and enhance its regulatory framework. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary praised Pazdur as a “regulatory innovator” with a proven track record, suggesting that his leadership will be pivotal in modernizing the agency and expediting drug approvals. The implications of this change could be significant, as Pazdur’s experience may lead to a more efficient regulatory environment, which is crucial for the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.