George Tidmarsh
George Tidmarsh | |
|---|---|
| Director of U.S. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research | |
| In office July 21, 2025 – November 2, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay |
| Succeeded by | Richard Pazdur |
| temporary Director of U.S. Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research | |
| In office July 31, 2025 – August 9, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Vinay Prasad |
| Succeeded by | Vinay Prasad |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1960 (age 64–65) Oak Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Stanford University |
George Tidmarsh (born 1960) is an American politician and businessman who served as the Director of U.S. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research from July to October 2025.[1][2] He was also the temporary Director of U.S. Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research after Vinay Prasad resigned,[3] until Prasad returned 10 days later.[4]
Education
Tidmarsh attended Stanford University for his undergraduate degree and subsequently MD and PhD in Cancer Biology.[1][5]
Career
Prior to taking a role in the second Trump administration, Tidmarsh was described as a serial entrepreneur,[5] serving as a founder and executive of several biotech companies.[2] This included bringing Duexis to market as founder and CEO of Horizon Therapeutics,[5] and a subsequent term as CEO of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company when the company received FDA approval for Giapreza.[6][7]
He was also an adjunct professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and founded a master's degree program in translational research and applied medicine.[2][8]
Controversy
Tidmarsh was placed on administrative leave from the CDER in October 2025 by Marty Makary after accusations of abusing his regulatory authority.[9] A suit was also filed against him by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals claiming Tidmarsh misused his authority to target a businesses of a former associate,[10] and publically questioning the previous FDA approval of its drug voclosporin.[7] On November 2, 2025 Tidmarsh officially resigned from the directorship of the CDER, [11] stating he left to protest the handling of drug reviews at the FDA. [12]
References
- ^ a b Tidmarsh, G. (1 July 2013). "Linking academia and industry to bring drugs to the clinic: an interview with George Tidmarsh". Disease Models & Mechanisms. 6 (4): 874–876. doi:10.1242/dmm.012997. PMC 3701206. PMID 23828643.
- ^ a b c Annika Kim, Constantino. "FDA taps biotech industry veteran as RFK Jr.'s top drug regulator". No. 21 July 2025. CNBC. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ Kartal Allen, Annabel (31 July 2025). "George Tidmarsh to sub in as FDA CBER head following Prasad's shock exit". Pharmaceutical Technology. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ Weber, Lauren; Roubein, Rachel (August 9, 2025). "FDA regulator reinstalled less than two weeks after White House ouster". thewashingtonpost. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c Parrish, Meaghan; Gibney, Michael (23 July 2025). "Who is Dr. George Tidmarsh, the new director of CDER?". PharmaVoice. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ Dunleavy, Kevin (11 July 2022). "Innoviva snaps up La Jolla and its 2 FDA-approved drugs for $149M". Fierce Pharma. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b Kansteiner, Frasier (3 November 2025). "CDER chief George Tidmarsh resigns as deleted LinkedIn post prompts Aurinia lawsuit, FDA probe". Fierce Pharma. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ Council, Stephen (5 November 2025). "Former Stanford professor accused of 'reprehensible' conduct quits top FDA job". SFGate. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ^ Herper, Matthew; Lawrence, Lizzie (4 November 2025). "Experts worry FDA's credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'soap opera'". Stat News. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ Mole, Beth (4 November 2025). "FDA described as a "clown show" amid latest scandal; top drug regulator is out". Ars Technica. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ^ Lenzer, Jeanne (7 November 2025). "FDA drug chief resigns amid lawsuit claims of attempting to "extort and solicit a bribe"". theBMJ. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ Gardner, Lauren (21 November 2025). "The White House has asked for the resignation of a top aide to FDA chief". Politico. Retrieved 23 November 2025.