The FDA has appointed Dr. Richard Pazdur, a longtime cancer specialist and 26-year veteran of the agency, as the new director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the FDA’s largest unit responsible for drug review, safety, and quality control.

Pazdur replaces Dr. George Tidmarsh, who was recently ousted amid federal ethics investigations related to his personal conduct. Tidmarsh’s departure followed allegations that he used his FDA position to pursue a personal vendetta against a Canadian drugmaker executive with whom he had prior business ties. Tidmarsh has denied any wrongdoing.

Driving the news: Dr. Pazdur previously led the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and is recognized for expediting the approval of cancer therapies based on early indicators such as tumor shrinkage

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