FDA Drug Chief Resigns Amid Explosive Defamation Lawsuit

BREAKING: Dr. George F. Tidmarsh, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s drug division, has resigned immediately on November 2, 2025, just one day before being named in a federal defamation lawsuit filed by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. The lawsuit, lodged in Maryland, accuses Tidmarsh of using his position for personal vendetta against a business associate, raising serious concerns about the integrity of federal drug regulation.

The allegations against Tidmarsh come as the FDA faces scrutiny over its independence from personal and political influences. This controversy could undermine public trust in the agency, which oversees the approval of more than 20,000 drugs. Tidmarsh has denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I gave up everything to go into government.”

URGENT UPDATE: Tidmarsh’s resignation follows an internal ethics investigation initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Reports confirm he was placed on administrative leave just two days prior. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard emphasized the need for “the highest ethical standards” from all officials.

The 32-page complaint in Aurinia’s lawsuit alleges Tidmarsh made “false and defamatory statements” regarding the company’s lupus nephritis treatment, Lupkynis (generic name voclosporin), in a now-deleted LinkedIn post. Tidmarsh claimed the drug “has not been shown to provide a direct clinical benefit for patients,” contradicting the FDA’s own findings from 2021 that supported its approval. As a result, Aurinia reported a staggering 20 percent drop in its stock price, erasing over $350 million in market value.

The complaint also details a troubling pattern of alleged retaliation against Kevin Tang, Aurinia’s board chair. Text messages and emails reveal Tidmarsh’s threats of revenge, including ominous statements like, “The pain is not over.” These revelations compound the severity of the accusations against him.

In a shocking twist, the lawsuit suggests Tidmarsh attempted to solicit a bribe from American Laboratories, a company associated with Tang. Following FDA actions against unapproved thyroid products, Tidmarsh allegedly contacted Tang to propose a contract extension in exchange for assistance with regulatory issues, a move Aurinia claims constitutes extortion.

Dr. Tidmarsh’s actions have prompted a review from the HHS inspector general, intensifying scrutiny on the FDA’s operational ethics. The agency is now under pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability in its regulatory practices.

As this developing situation unfolds, the implications for drug regulation and public health are significant. The FDA must navigate the fallout from this lawsuit while restoring confidence in its decision-making processes.

For now, all eyes will be on how the FDA and Aurinia respond to these allegations, with industry insiders and the public eagerly awaiting further developments.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves.