Dr. Richard Pazdur, a highly respected leader with 26 years of experience at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been recommended by nearly 400 biotech CEOs, financial analysts, patient advocates, and other industry leaders to become the next FDA commissioner. In a letter sent to President Donald Trump, these experts explained that the FDA is currently facing challenges, including staff shortages, missed deadlines, and uncertainty about scientific decisions. They believe Dr. Pazdur has the right skills and experience to restore confidence in the agency’s ability to advance medical progress safely and effectively. The letter states, ‘Solving these issues requires a leader with proven experience, strong scientific credibility, and a history of effectiveness—qualities Dr. Pazdur has demonstrated throughout his career at the FDA.’ Dr. Pazdur previously served as the head of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, where he worked to speed up the approval of cancer drugs. He helped create the Oncology Center of Excellence, which brings together experts to review new cancer treatments efficiently, and launched Project Orbis, a program that allows international regulators to review and approve promising cancer drugs together. Before his retirement in December 2025, Dr. Pazdur expressed concerns about the direction of the FDA under the Trump administration. Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer of the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), described him as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to make sure patients had access to safe and effective cancer treatments. While the letter does not ask Dr. Pazdur to apply for the role, it emphasizes the qualities needed in the next FDA commissioner: deep regulatory experience, a proven ability to implement reforms, and the ability to guide the agency through political and competitive pressures without sacrificing safety or speed. The signatories also expressed their readiness to support the Administration in ensuring the appointment helps the FDA fulfill its mission.