Breaking: FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation

CDER director accused of seeking to use authority to inflict financial harm on former associate

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   FDA's top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation By Lizzy Lawrence and Adam Feuerstein Photo illustration: STAT; photo: FDA George Tidmarsh, the Food and Drug Administration's top regulator of drugs, has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of using his regulatory authority to inflict financial harm on a former business associate, STAT has learned.    FDA Commissioner Marty Makary relieved Tidmarsh of his duties on Saturday after opening an investigation into his conduct based on a complaint filed against Tidmarsh by Kevin Tang, a San Diego-based health care investor and business owner.    In an interview with STAT, Tidmarsh confirmed he was placed on leave. Tidmarsh denies any wrongdoing.  READ MORE Sign up for Morning Rounds Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day. Learn more. In Case You Missed It 1   How Moderna, the company that helped save the world, unraveled By Jason Mast 2   Under Vinay Prasad, employees at a key FDA center fear speaking out, look for the exits By Lizzy Lawrence 3   Trump says he will help 'Dilbert' creator get cancer drug By Chelsea Cirruzzo 4   Inside FDA, career staffers describe how political pressure is influencing their work By Lizzy Lawrence Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us