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yesterday

FDA Reinstates Vinay Prasad to Head Biologics Center Less Than Two Weeks After Resignation

His return restores stable leadership at CBER following a campaign that prompted his resignation.

In this undated photo provided by the US Food and Drug Administration, Vinay Prasad smiles for a portrait.
Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Dr. Vinay Prasad, a prominent UCSF oncologist and outspoken critic of the U.S. government’s past pandemic policies, has been reinstated at his senior post at the Food and Drug Administration less than two weeks after resigning under pressure.
Laura Loomer and Vinay Prasad

Overview

  • HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon confirmed that the FDA asked Dr. Vinay Prasad to resume leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and that he agreed to return.
  • Prasad stepped down on July 30, citing a desire not to distract the agency and to spend more time with his family after intense public scrutiny.
  • In mid-July, he ordered a pause on Sarepta’s Elevidys Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy over safety concerns and allowed shipments to resume ten days later.
  • During his tenure, Prasad imposed stricter COVID-19 vaccine approval criteria and overruled agency reviewers to narrow clearances for Moderna and Novavax shots.
  • Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer led a campaign targeting Prasad’s past remarks, while FDA Commissioner Marty Makary publicly defended him and urged his return.