Congressman Abe Hamadeh Calls on FDA to Cease Enforcement Action on Popular Thyroid Medications Amid Allegations Against CDER Director

WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is calling on Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to cease recent FDA actions against desiccated thyroid medications in response to revelations about former Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Director George Tidmarsh.

On November 2, 2025, Dr. Tidmarsh resigned amid a Department of Health and Human Services investigation into claims made against Tidmarsh by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, alleging that he used his regulatory authority and official resources to remove desiccated thyroid drugs from the market.

Reports show that Tidmarsh 'targeted multiple companies' affiliated with Tang, using his official position within the FDA, and pushed the Agency, again with official resources, to remove desiccated thyroid drugs, including those made by American Laboratories, that manufacture the active ingredient for desiccated thyroid drugs on the market.

In August, Congressman Hamadeh sent a letter to the esteemed Dr. Makary requesting that the FDA provide answers as to why it was inexplicably taking action against desiccated thyroid medications that have been safely used for decades. At the time, Congressman Hamadeh shared concerns that any restrictions would affect patients who rely on these medications and asked what steps the FDA would take to ensure that patients' access to effective thyroid treatment options be maintained.

Now, Congressman Hamadeh is calling for a withdrawal or indefinite suspension of any enforcement actions brought against desiccated thyroid drugs on or after the date in July 2025 of Tidmarsh's appointment, at least until an integrity review can be conducted.

"It was clear to me based on the feedback that I have received from countless constituents that the FDA's action against these medications was likely not science based. Given our government's reaction to COVID-19, it is not hard to imagine that bad actors in our government have personal agendas and no regard for science or our citizens," stated Congressman Hamadeh. "So, I did not hesitate to question the FDA's action that many of my constituents believe would negatively impact their quality of life."

In his letter to Dr. Makary, Congressman Hamadeh wrote, "I understand that your office has gone through tremendous difficulty during the Senate Democrat shutdown, and that the alleged incident seems to have taken place in spite of, rather than because of, your leadership. I commend your swift action in placing Dr. Tidmarsh on administrative leave, which demonstrates responsiveness to serious concerns, and the Trump Administration's decisive actions to lower the cost of prescription drugs for everyday Americans."

"The FDA's primary mission should be ensuring drug safety and efficacy, not unnecessarily restricting access to medications with established track records of safety and effectiveness," stated Congressman Hamadeh. "The American people expect that FDA regulatory actions be grounded in science and patient safety, not personal scores or abuse of authority."

Read Congressman Hamadeh's letter here.