The FDA has appointed Richard Pazdur, MD, as director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, effective Nov. 11. The center regulates prescription, over-the-counter and generic drugs, and oversees their development, approval and labeling.
Dr. Pazdur, a 26-year FDA veteran, is the founding director of the agency’s Oncology Center of Excellence, according to a Nov. 11 news release. He developed an integrated framework for coordinating oncology product reviews across the agency’s centers to expedite the development of cancer therapies.
He also led the launch of several agency initiatives aimed at streamlining oncology drug approvals and access, including Project Orbis, Project Facilitate and Project Renewal.
Dr. Pazdur has published more than 800 articles, book chapters and abstracts. He will continue to serve as director of the Oncology Center of Excellence until a successor is named.
