The head of the FDA’s drug center stepped down Sunday after federal officials initiated a review into “serious concerns about his personal conduct,” a government spokesperson said. Dr. George Tidmarsh, appointed to lead the center in July, was placed on leave Friday as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel investigated the issues, and he resigned Sunday morning.
Secretary Kennedy emphasized high ethical standards and transparency in the agency’s leadership, HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard said in an email.
The resignation came as Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, tied to Tidmarsh’s former business connections, filed a lawsuit accusing him of making false and defamatory statements during his FDA tenure.
The suit argues Tidmarsh used his FDA role to pursue a personal vendetta against Aurinia chair Kevin Tang. Tang previously led several companies where Tidmarsh served as an executive, including La Jolla Pharmaceutical, and the suit claims Tidmarsh influenced leadership changes at those firms.
Tidmarsh did not respond to messages left for him or his attorney late Sunday.
Tidmarsh, who built and led multiple California biotech ventures, also taught as an adjunct professor at Stanford before joining the FDA. He was recruited after a meeting with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
His departure underscores ongoing leadership turbulence at the FDA, which has experienced multiple senior exits and controversial decisions on vaccines, fluoride and other products. The agency’s drug center—the FDA’s largest division—will continue to review medicines for safety and quality, though staffing reductions in the last year have affected operations.
In September, Tidmarsh drew attention for a LinkedIn post criticizing a kidney drug made by Aurinia, suggesting it did not show direct clinical benefit. Aurinia’s suit says the post caused the company’s stock to fall about 20%, erasing more than $350 million in market value. Tidmarsh later deleted the post, saying it was made in a personal capacity, not as an FDA official. The lawsuit also alleges Tidmarsh targeted a thyroid drug from American Laboratories, whose board chair is Kevin Tang.
The Maryland federal case seeks damages and a reaffirmation of the record surrounding Tidmarsh’s actions.
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