Richard Pazdur, MD, was awarded the American Association of Cancer Research’s (AACR) Distinguished Public Service Award at the 2015 AACR Annual Meeting.
The Association chose Dr. Pazdur for this award based on his “extraordinary, steadfast leadership in scientific and regulatory affairs” and his “unwavering commitment to ensuring the development of safe and effective treatments for cancer patients.” Also noted was Dr. Pazdur’s “important work has been and continues to be nothing short of spectacular, and it is saving lives every day from this most feared disease that affects so many.”
As Director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Pazdur leads a staff of more than 150 oncologists, toxicologists, and other specialists dedicated to approving safe, effective drugs for cancer and blood-related conditions. He was recently recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the world’s 50 greatest leaders for his efforts to quicken the process of the approval of such drugs, speeding the process of getting cancer medications on the market and available to patients. ■
