FDA drug chief signals possible exit as agency turmoil deepens

Pazdur was expected to bring some stability to the agency after a year of turmoil and tension Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters

The top drug regulator in the US signaled on Tuesday he may retire weeks after accepting the position, adding to upheaval in the highest ranks of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If Richard Pazdur retires, finding a replacement would be challenging amid mounting political pressure and internal conflict at the agency, sources say.