The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has appointed George Francis Tidmarsh, MD, PhD, to serve as Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), according to a release issued today by the agency.

Dr. Tidmarsh will now oversee the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA’s) regulatory programs for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceuticals available to the U.S. population. His selection marks a significant leadership transition for one of the agency’s most influential centers, which plays a critical role in national drug policy and public health.

“Dr. Tidmarsh is an accomplished physician-scientist and leader whose experience spans the full arc of drug development—from bench to bedside,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH. “His appointment to lead CDER brings exceptional scientific, regulatory, and operational expertise to the agency.”

According to the FDA Press Office, Dr. Tidmarsh holds both MD and PhD degrees in cancer biology from Stanford University and completed his residency in pediatrics, as well as subspecialty programs in pediatric oncology and neonatology at the same institution. He previously founded and led multiple biopharmaceutical firms, advancing seven FDA-approved drugs and contributing more than 140 scientific publications and patents.

He also served as founding co-director of Stanford’s Master of Translational Research and Applied Medicine program, which aims to close the gap between laboratory science and patient care. “His commitment to education, mentorship, and translational research continues to shape the next generation of physician-scientists and innovators,” the FDA noted.

Source: FDA Press Release