Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

Ellen Sigal and Karen Knudsen “gush” about new CDER Director Richard Pazdur and his late wife, Mary

Last week, Richard Pazdur was named to the position of director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Much has been written about how Pazdur, with nearly a three-decade long career at the agency, represents a stabilizing choice for FDA as it faces inner and outer turmoil.

November 19, 2025

Conversation with The Cancer Letter Regulatory News

Richard Pazdur, a respected insider with a plan to reengineer FDA, steps in as CDER director

Richard Pazdur, FDA’s top oncologist who last week received a battlefield promotion to the role of director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, is described as a stabilizing figure respected by major patient groups, oncology professional societies, and the industry.

Rick Pazdur’s CDER appointment comes at exactly the right moment for FDA

Rick Pazdur’s appointment as director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) comes at exactly the right moment, both for the agency and for the patients it serves.

November 14, 2025

Vol.51 No.42

By Ellen V. Sigal

Clinical Regulatory News

FDA to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause
Trump-era “gold standard science” is not to be confused with gold standard of scientific evidence

Top FDA officials said the agency is in the process of removing the black box safety warnings from all forms of menopausal hormone therapy, including creams, pills, and other treatments prescribed to ease the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

November 14, 2025

Vol.51 No.42

By Claire Marie Porter

Clinical Trials & Tribulations

Smoldering multiple myeloma: Rethinking the waiting game

With the recent FDA approval of daratumumab for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, the moment is ripe to revisit the evolution of our understanding of smoldering multiple myeloma. This development not only underscores the growing recognition of early intervention but also invites a broader reflection on the biological insights and therapeutic strategies that have shaped—and continue to shape—this transitional disease state.

CMS announces GENEROUS drug payment model aimed at lowering Medicaid drug prices

CMS announced a new drug payment model called the GENErating cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid (GENEROUS) Model that the agency plans to pilot next year.

November 14, 2025

Vol.51 No.42

By Sara Willa Ernst and Jacquelyn Cobb

Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit

Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

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Ellen Sigal and Karen Knudsen “gush” about new CDER Director Richard Pazdur and his late wife, Mary

Richard Pazdur, a respected insider with a plan to reengineer FDA, steps in as CDER director

Rick Pazdur’s CDER appointment comes at exactly the right moment for FDA

FDA to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause
Trump-era “gold standard science” is not to be confused with gold standard of scientific evidence

Smoldering multiple myeloma: Rethinking the waiting game

CMS announces GENEROUS drug payment model aimed at lowering Medicaid drug prices

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Kennedy announces massive cuts, centralization at HHS—NCI and FDA hit

Also this week: Columbia yields, Makary and Bhattacharya confirmed, tariffs on pharmaceuticals, and more changes impacting oncology

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Ellen Sigal and Karen Knudsen “gush” about new CDER Director Richard Pazdur and his late wife, Mary

Richard Pazdur, a respected insider with a plan to reengineer FDA, steps in as CDER director

Rick Pazdur’s CDER appointment comes at exactly the right moment for FDA

FDA to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopauseTrump-era “gold standard science” is not to be confused with gold standard of scientific evidence

Smoldering multiple myeloma: Rethinking the waiting game

CMS announces GENEROUS drug payment model aimed at lowering Medicaid drug prices

Never miss an issue!

Login

FDA to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause
Trump-era “gold standard science” is not to be confused with gold standard of scientific evidence