FDA Veteran Richard Pazdur Declines Candidacy for Commissioner Role Amid Leadership Crisis
Richard Pazdur, a former FDA oncology chief and director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, has decided not to pursue the recently vacated position of FDA commissioner. This decision comes despite a strong recommendation from over 100 biotech leaders who penned a letter to President Trump advocating for his appointment. Pazdur, who has a 26-year tenure with the FDA, outlined his vision for the agency's future at an RBC Capital Markets event, emphasizing the need for restoring confidence and preserving a science-driven culture. His decision follows the resignation of Marty Makary, the former FDA commissioner, who stepped down amid pressure from the White House. The FDA is currently led by acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas. 
