Top FDA Drug Regulator Discloses Why He Resigned

‘Promises made, promises not kept,’ Dr. Richard Pazdur said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in White Oak, Md., on June 5, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

A doctor who until recently was one of the most senior officials at the Food and Drug Administration said in his first public comments since his resignation that he left because promises that were made to him had been broken.

“Promises made, promises not kept,” said Dr. Richard Pazdur, who served as director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research for several weeks in late 2025.