After ‘destruction’ at FDA, Rick Pazdur sees need to ‘think creatively’

Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.

CHICAGO — Rick Pazdur, once the leading figure in oncology regulation at the Food and Drug Administration, has suggested that recent political appointments have caused significant harm, presenting an opportunity for new leadership to reshape the FDA, especially as China’s pharmaceutical sector becomes increasingly competitive.

During a STAT event held at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, Pazdur remarked that appointees from the Trump administration had caused substantial disruption. He emphasized that this does not necessitate a return to the previous structure, stating, “This gives us a great opportunity of — how we want to build it, what staff we want to have, how we want the administrative structure to be.”

Pazdur noted the FDA’s loss of numerous valuable experts and proposed that strengthening the agency’s workforce could involve innovative approaches, such as enlisting academics and industry professionals for short-term, one- or two-year positions.

STAT+ Exclusive Story