George Tidmarsh resigned as director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research after being placed on administrative leave amid an HHS probe into his conduct. The departure leaves CDER without a permanent leader and follows a wave of senior exits earlier this year. HHS and agency statements flagged "serious concerns" about Tidmarsh’s conduct; the episode followed public disputes and internal controversy around agency policy. The rapid turnover at CDER has heightened industry uncertainty over review timelines and regulatory consistency. Stakeholders cited the leadership vacuum as a material risk for ongoing reviews and policy continuity. Companies with near-term submissions and applicants that have relied on prior FDA guidance will likely seek clarifying meetings with agency officials as the vacancy is resolved.