Overview

• Dr. Vinay Prasad, a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccine policies, has been named head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).
• Prasad replaces Dr. Peter Marks, who resigned in March after clashes with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine safety concerns.
• Prasad supports requiring randomized clinical trials for updated COVID-19 vaccines, a departure from expedited pandemic-era approval processes.
• The appointment has led to significant declines in biotech and vaccine-maker stocks, with Moderna shares dropping 11% and smaller companies seeing steeper losses.
• Critics warn the leadership change could delay vaccine approvals and erode public trust, while supporters praise it as a move toward greater scientific rigor and transparency.