FDA drug chief signals possible exit as agency turmoil deepens

Richard Pazdur’s potential retirement weeks into the role adds to upheaval at the FDA amid political pressure

The top drug regulator in the US signaled on Tuesday he may retire weeks after accepting the position, adding to upheaval in the highest ranks of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If Richard Pazdur retires, finding a replacement would be challenging amid mounting political pressure and internal conflict at the agency, sources say.