The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed Dr. George Tidmarsh, a cancer specialist and former pharmaceutical executive, as the new director of its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This move comes a month after the center’s acting director announced her retirement.
As the top drug regulator, Tidmarsh will oversee the agency’s review of several drugs, including those used to treat depression and hormone-replacement therapy for menopause. He has been involved in reviewing the safety of the abortion pill mifepristone and will work to address other concerns raised by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
Tidmarsh founded and led several pharmaceutical companies, including Horizon Pharmaceuticals. The FDA’s drug center is its largest unit, with over 6,000 staff members responsible for reviewing new drugs and monitoring older medications.
The agency has been undergoing significant changes in recent months, including the departure of nearly all its senior leadership positions. Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni stepped down as director of the center in January, and Dr. Vinay Prasad was recently named to run the vaccine center.
Tidmarsh’s appointment aims to address these concerns and ensure the timely review of new drugs.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/fda-drugs-trump-makary-george-tidmarsh-88471eab7dcaf1ab8cc4dd2491218120