FDA Vaccine Chief Dr. Vinay Prasad Departs Agency Amid Controversy

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the Food and Drug Administration, is leaving the agency at the conclude of April. This marks his second departure from the FDA in less than a year, following a period of contentious decisions regarding vaccine and gene therapy approvals .

Recent Controversies and Decisions

Prasad’s recent decisions sparked concern within the pharmaceutical industry. Last month, his department initially declined to review an application for a new mRNA flu vaccine from Moderna. The application was subsequently resubmitted with different age parameters .

Previous Departure and Return

Prasad initially announced his resignation last year following criticism, including from right-wing influencer Laura Loomer. However, he was later invited back to his position by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. .

Future Plans and Agency Response

Upon his departure, Prasad is expected to return to an academic role at the University of California San Francisco, resuming a one-year sabbatical . Commissioner Makary expressed his gratitude for Prasad’s service and personal sacrifice in a post on X .

Broader Staff Turnover at Federal Health Agencies

This move follows recent staff turnover at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently lost its acting director and is now headed by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, alongside his current duties leading the National Institutes of Health .