FDA Drug Chief Resigns Amidst Controversy and Legal Battles

In a surprising turn of events, Dr George Tidmarsh, head of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research, resigned after serious personal conduct concerns led to a federal investigation.

The resignation coincides with a lawsuit filed by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, claiming Tidmarsh made defamatory statements to pursue a personal vendetta against Kevin Tang, the company's board chair. Tidmarsh, who has a storied career in California’s pharmaceutical sector, joined the FDA in July but departed amid the swirling controversy.

This latest leadership upheaval adds to the FDA's ongoing challenges, marked by a series of leadership changes and significant staff losses at its drug review division.