The FDA appointed longtime oncology chief Richard Pazdur as director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, a move the agency framed as stabilizing amid recent leadership turnover. Pazdur’s 26-year FDA tenure and record running the Oncology Center of Excellence position him to address morale and regulatory consistency concerns. Industry sources said the selection aims to preserve rigorous review standards while advancing novel modalities. Pazdur’s history of both accelerating and rescinding approvals in oncology suggests he will emphasize robust post-approval evidence and enforcement. FDA communications since the appointment have focused on internal morale and maintaining scientific rigor as the agency implements new regulatory initiatives and faces high-profile policy debates.