Article Summary:
The head of the FDA’s drug center, Dr. George Tidmarsh, abruptly resigned on Sunday after federal officials began reviewing “serious concerns about his personal conduct.” Tidmarsh, who was appointed to the position in July, was placed on leave on Friday after the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel was notified of the issues.
Tidmarsh’s departure came the same day that a drugmaker, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, filed a lawsuit alleging that he made “false and defamatory statements” about the company during his time at the FDA. The lawsuit claims Tidmarsh used his position to pursue a “longstanding personal vendetta” against the chair of Aurinia’s board, Kevin Tang, who had previously been involved in Tidmarsh’s ouster from other companies.
Tidmarsh, who had a long career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, was recruited to join the FDA over the summer. His resignation is the latest in a series of leadership changes at the agency, which has faced firings, departures, and controversial decisions in recent months. The FDA’s drug center, which Tidmarsh oversaw, has also lost over 1,000 staffers in the past year.
The lawsuit against Tidmarsh alleges that he made unusual public comments about one of Aurinia’s products, causing a significant drop in the company’s stock price. It also claims he used his FDA position to target a thyroid drug made by another company where Tang serves as board chair.
Overall, Tidmarsh’s abrupt resignation and the allegations against him highlight the ongoing turmoil and leadership challenges facing the FDA.