In a surprising turn of events, the head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug center resigned over the weekend amid serious concerns regarding his personal conduct. Dr. George Tidmarsh, who had only recently been appointed to the position in July, was placed on leave on Friday following notifications received by officials in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of General Counsel. After just two days, Tidmarsh submitted his resignation on Sunday morning.
According to HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard, Secretary Kennedy holds high expectations regarding ethical standards among those serving in his administration. He is committed to maintaining transparency in light of the situation surrounding Tidmarsh’s abrupt exit.
Complicating matters further, on the same day Tidmarsh resigned, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals — a company connected to one of his former business associates — filed a lawsuit against him. The legal action contends that Tidmarsh used his position at the FDA to wage a “longstanding personal vendetta” against Kevin Tang, the chair of the company’s board of directors. The lawsuit reveals that Tang had previously been involved with several pharmaceutical companies where Tidmarsh held executive roles, and he was implicated in Tidmarsh’s removal from those leadership positions.
Efforts to reach Tidmarsh or his attorney for comments went unanswered late on Sunday. Tidmarsh has a long-standing history in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in California, having founded and led several companies over the decades. Before his appointment at the FDA, he served as an adjunct professor at Stanford University and was recruited to the agency following discussions with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
The recent departure of Tidmarsh adds to a tumultuous period of leadership changes within the FDA. The agency has experienced several firings and resignations, particularly amid controversial decisions regarding vaccines, fluoride, and other products. Earlier this year, Dr. Vinay Prasad, who managed the FDA’s vaccine and biologics center, faced intense scrutiny from conservative activists close to former President Donald Trump, leading to his resignation and a subsequent brief return.
Under Tidmarsh’s oversight, the drug center of the FDA has seen a significant workforce reduction, with more than 1,000 staff members leaving due to layoffs or resignations in the past year. As the largest division of the FDA, it is responsible for the review, safety, and quality control of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
In addition to the serious allegations surrounding his conduct, Tidmarsh drew public attention in September following a controversial LinkedIn post in which he criticized one of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals’ products, stating that it had “not been shown to provide a direct clinical benefit for patients.” Such remarks are uncommon for an FDA regulator, particularly regarding specific companies and products. The company’s lawsuit highlights a sharp decline in its stock value—dropping 20% and erasing over $350 million in shareholder wealth—shortly after Tidmarsh’s post. Although he later deleted the message, Tidmarsh claimed it was made in his personal capacity, not as a representative of the FDA.
Aurinia’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court of Maryland, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages while aiming to “set the record straight” regarding the implications of Tidmarsh’s statements and actions.
