The FDA appointed longtime oncology regulator Richard Pazdur to lead the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). The change comes after George Tidmarsh’s abrupt departure and aims to restore regulatory stability at the agency. Pazdur is a 26-year veteran of the FDA and is widely known for reshaping cancer drug review pathways. Pazdur’s selection matters for approval strategy and industry expectations: he has a track record of accelerating oncology approvals while pulling unsafe or ineffective agents from the market. Biotech firms with oncology assets should anticipate a regulator experienced in balancing speed and post-approval evidence requirements. The appointment was reported by multiple outlets and industry sources on Nov. 11, 2025.