FDA's Top Drug Regulator Resigns Amid Investigation into Personal Conduct
George Tidmarsh, head of the FDA's drug division, resigned following an investigation into serious concerns about his personal conduct, coinciding with a lawsuit alleging misuse of his position against a former associate.
George Tidmarsh, the director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), resigned on Sunday amid an investigation into serious concerns about his personal conduct. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated the probe after receiving a complaint from Kevin Tang, a San Diego-based healthcare investor and business owner.
Prior to his resignation, Tidmarsh was placed on administrative leave. HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard stated, "Secretary Kennedy expects the highest ethical standards from all individuals serving under his leadership and remains committed to full transparency."
The resignation coincided with a lawsuit filed by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, a company affiliated with Tang. The lawsuit alleges that Tidmarsh used his FDA position to pursue a longstanding personal vendetta against Tang, including making false and defamatory statements about Aurinia and its board chair.
In September, Tidmarsh posted on LinkedIn that one of Aurinia's products, a kidney drug, had "not been shown to provide a direct clinical benefit for patients." Following the post, Aurinia's stock dropped 20%, erasing over $350 million in shareholder value. Tidmarsh later deleted the post, stating it was made in a personal capacity.
Tidmarsh, appointed as CDER director in July 2025, had a background in biotechnology and clinical medicine. His tenure at the FDA was marked by internal challenges, including staff departures and controversial decisions.
The FDA has not yet announced a successor for Tidmarsh's position.