Vinay Prasad, MD, former head of the FDA’s vaccine and gene therapy division who resigned under political pressure two weeks ago, is returning to the agency, The New York Times reported Aug. 9.
Dr. Prasad stepped down from the role in late July following criticism from right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, who targeted him over drug approval decisions, the report said. A series of editorials faulting his handling of drug approvals and his call to pause a medication linked to multiple deaths intensified pressure upon resignation.
Despite the backlash, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, remained supporters of Dr. Prasad, who played a central role in limiting COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.
“At the FDA’s request, Dr. Vinay Prasad is resuming leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research,” Andrew Nixon, a health department spokesman, said in a statement to the Times.
