In a surprising turn, Richard Pazdur, the newly appointed head of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, has announced his retirement merely three weeks after stepping into the role. This sudden departure underscores ongoing instability within the agency at a critical time.

Veteran oncologist Pazdur, who has been with the FDA since 1999, was seen as a stabilizing figure following a period of chaos during the second Trump administration. His appointment came after the resignation of George Tidmarsh, embroiled in investigations and lawsuits over alleged misconduct. Industry insiders and patient groups viewed Pazdur’s leadership as a promising sign for restoring credibility.

However, his quick exit raises questions about the agency’s future direction amid reports of erratic decision-making and internal challenges. According to experts, leadership stability is vital for effective drug regulation, especially during a time of rapid innovation and public scrutiny. As the FDA navigates these turbulent waters, stakeholders are eager to see whether new leadership can bring clarity and consistency to drug approval processes.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.