Richard Pazdur, M.D.

Dr. Richard Pazdur is a leading figure in oncology drug regulation and the former Director of both the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Over his 26-year FDA career, he played a transformative role in modern cancer drug development, working closely with academic oncologists, industry partners, and regulatory scientists to streamline and strengthen the approval of innovative therapies.

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At the FDA, Dr. Pazdur built one of the most effective and nationally respected oncology regulatory centers. He championed an integrated review model that improved cross-center coordination and accelerated the evaluation of novel cancer treatments. His leadership not only advanced scientific rigor but also created clearer, more predictable pathways for oncology drug development. A mentor to generations of regulators, he significantly influenced how cancer therapies are reviewed and how regulatory science evolves to meet emerging medical needs.

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Before joining the FDA in 1999, Dr. Pazdur was a professor of medicine at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. His academic career included leadership roles on major hospital committees, service on national and international advisory groups, and contributions to several editorial boards.

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Dr. Pazdur received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his M.D. from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, followed by clinical training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center and the University of Chicago.

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A highly published physician, he is the author of more than 800 articles, book chapters, and abstracts, as well as two oncology textbooks. His contributions have earned him recognition on Fortune’s‘ 50 World’s Greatest Leaders,’ The Bloomberg 50, OncLive’s ‘Giants of Cancer Care,’ and numerous awards from major professional societies.