Vinay Prasad Resigns Amid FDA Controversy

Dr. Vinay Prasad resigned less than three months after his appointment as Director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and chief medical and scientific officer, following a tenure marked by controversial regulatory actions. These included the halting and later resumption of Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy after patient deaths, as well as restricting approvals for COVID-19 vaccines and other therapies. Prasad faced mounting political and internal pressure, notably from right-wing activist Laura Loomer who accused him of undermining the Trump administration, leading to his ouster. The Department of Health and Human Services cited a desire to avoid distractions and family reasons for his departure. His resignation was followed by a rebound in biotech stocks and drew attention for the unusually public disputes between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defended Prasad, while analysts suggested the agency may seek a more experienced successor to restore credibility.