Vinay Prasad Reinstated at FDA Amid Renewed Controversy and Loomer Attacks
Vinay Prasad Reinstated at FDA Amid Renewed Controversy and Loomer Attacks
Just over a week after his contentious departure, Dr. Vinay Prasad has been reinstated as the head of the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The decision, confirmed by Department Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon, sees Prasad returning to his critical role overseeing vaccine, gene therapy, and blood product regulation.
Prasad, an oncologist known for his past criticisms of Covid-19 vaccine and mask mandates, initially left the agency on July 30th, mere months after his appointment by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary in May. His brief tenure was marked by escalating scrutiny, particularly concerning the FDA’s handling of a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) from Sarepta Therapeutics, which was linked to patient deaths.
The controversy surrounding Prasad’s initial departure was amplified by far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who labeled him a ‘progressive leftist saboteur’ and released misleadingly edited audio suggesting impropriety. Upon news of his return, Loomer reignited her attacks on social media, vowing to release ‘exposes of officials within HHS and FDA’ and threatening to disrupt upcoming Senate Confirmation hearings.
Prasad’s return comes amidst a period of significant leadership changes within the FDA and other health agencies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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