Veteran oncology chief Pazdur appointed by USFDA to lead drug center

Written By : Ruchika Sharma Published On 2025-11-12T18:45:42+05:30 | Updated On 12 Nov 2025 6:45 PM IST

Washington: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed Richard Pazdur, the agency's veteran oncology chief, to oversee the department that reviews new medicines.

Pazdur, who heads the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence, succeeds George Tidmarsh, who resigned earlier this month following concerns of personal conduct, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed to Reuters.

A veteran regulator, Pazdur joined the FDA in 1999 and was named director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products in 2005.

He has been credited with speeding the review process for dozens of cancer drugs and is known as much for his advocacy, driven in part by the death of his wife from ovarian cancer, as for his regulatory expertise.

Earlier this year, he received the American Association for Cancer Research 2025 Enduring Impact Award for Transformative Service to Cancer Science and Medicine.

"Rick is an outstanding regulator and a scholar in clinical evidence and medicine," said Dr. Robert Califf, who twice served as FDA commissioner. "His creative thinking and empathy for patients have shaped FDA's recent history. I hope he will be given leeway to do what's right."

MAJOR SHAKEUP SURVIVOR

Pazdur will now oversee one of the FDA's largest and most important divisions, which regulates over-the-counter and most prescription drugs.

His appointment comes during significant leadership shakeups under Kennedy, who ousted longtime FDA vaccine chief Peter Marks and gene-therapy head Nicole Verdun.

"Other than (Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director) Michelle Tarver, Rick is the only one left with a track record as a regulator. He understands regulations and how they work," said Califf, under whom Pazdur served twice.

In an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, Tidmarsh said he was placed on administrative leave after raising concerns about the legal basis of a new program for the rapid approval of some drugs.

Tidmarsh is also facing a lawsuit from Canadian drugmaker Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH.O), opens new tab, which accuses him of soliciting a bribe and damaging the company's stock with false statements as part of an alleged revenge campaign against a former colleague.

Pazdur will continue to lead the oncology center until a successor is named, the FDA said.

His appointment was applauded by cancer advocacy groups.

"Rick Pazdur has been a tireless public servant and one of the most trusted leaders in biomedical innovation," said Ellen Sigal, chair and founder of Friends of Cancer Research.

"At a time when the agency faces extraordinary opportunity and complexity, Rick's steady leadership and commitment to scientific integrity make him exactly the right person to lead CDER".

USFDAappointmentRichard PazdurGeorge Tidmarshcancer drug

Source : with inputs

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751