Richard Pazdur has filed paperwork to retire as director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), signaling a sudden leadership disruption at the agency. Pazdur took the post only weeks earlier at the urging of Commissioner Marty Makary and informed CDER staff of his intention to step down at a recent meeting. The departure follows a turbulent year at the FDA and raises near-term questions about regulatory continuity for drug reviews and policy initiatives at CDER. Industry executives and investors monitor leadership changes closely because senior personnel shifts can affect review timelines, enforcement priorities and communications with sponsors. Observers note the potential for immediate operational impacts—on advisory relationships, ongoing high‑profile applications and the agency’s public posture—while the FDA works through internal succession and external messaging.