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FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2009

Media Inquiries: Karen Riley, 301-796-4674; karen.riley@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Oncologist Receives Top Award for Contributions to Cancer Research

Richard Pazdur, M.D., a noted oncologist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is being recognized today by the world's largest cancer professional society.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is presenting Pazdur with its Special Recognition Award for his achievements in cancer drug development and his “outstanding service to the oncology community.”

“This is a well-deserved award for a world-class oncologist,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Rick has worked tirelessly to ensure that safe and effective therapies are available as quickly as possible to treat patients with cancer. The FDA is fortunate to have him leading our efforts in cancer drug development.”

Pazdur joined the FDA in 1999 and was named director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products when that office was established in 2005. As part of his duties, Pazdur coordinates oncology activities across all FDA product centers and ensures collaboration among the FDA, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and both public and private cancer organizations.

Pazdur, who grew up in Illinois, obtained his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, where he also trained in internal medicine. He was a fellow in oncology at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center and the University of Chicago. Pazdur has served as a practicing oncologist, researcher and teacher at Wayne State University and at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, where he was a professor of medicine and assistant vice president for academic affairs.

Clinical trial design and drug development of anti-cancer agents in advanced colorectal cancer are Pazdur's main research interests. He has performed numerous phase 1, 2 and 3 and adjuvant therapy trials in his work to treat the disease.

The first ASCO Special Recognition Award was given in 1992. Previous recipients have included the champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer foundation.

The award is being presented during the society's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

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