FDA Drug Regulator Resigns Amid Bribery, Defamation Allegations

Dr. George Tidmarsh, who had been appointed this summer to lead the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, abruptly resigned Sunday after being placed on administrative leave when HHS legal and inspector general offices were notified of “serious concerns about his personal conduct.” Aurinia Pharmaceuticals filed a lawsuit accusing Tidmarsh of a long‑standing personal vendetta that included false and defamatory statements and soliciting a bribe, alleging his conduct triggered about a 20% stock drop and more than $350 million in alleged damages. Tidmarsh denied the allegations and told ABC News he believes he is being targeted for publicly criticizing a new FDA fast‑track, tumor board–style review process and for speaking out against other FDA officials, calling the agency environment “toxic.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s office said it expects the highest ethical standards and pledged transparency as the agency continues to experience a spate of leadership departures and controversy.