FDA's Drug Chief Resigns Three Weeks After Appointment

Is Pazdur's exit a timely retirement after distinguished service, or a sign of dysfunction under Makary's leadership?
FDA's Drug Chief Resigns Three Weeks After Appointment
Above: Richard Pazdur testifies during a FDA hearing in Silver Spring, Maryland, on June 28, 2011. Image credit: Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Pazdur's legacy includes founding the Oncology Center of Excellence and pioneering cross-center regulatory innovation that strengthened the agency. Makary successfully appointed him as a regulatory innovator to modernize and streamline the approval process. His retirement marks a respectful and timely transition after 26 years of distinguished service at the FDA.

Democratic narrative

Pazdur's abrupt departure signals deep dysfunction at the FDA under Makary's leadership. His resignation follows public warnings that Makary's plans to reduce study requirements and expedite approvals through opaque processes pose serious public health risks. The constant leadership turnover creates regulatory chaos that threatens America's biotech leadership.

Metaculus Prediction



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All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.1