Vinay Prasad, a prominent figure in vaccine regulation, who was removed from his position at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late last month, is reportedly set to return, as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“At the FDA’s request, Dr. Vinay Prasad is reinstating his leadership role at the Biology Evaluation and Research Center,” a spokesperson for HHS shared with Hill. “Both the White House and HHS are determined to keep the focus on the significant work being done by the FDA during the Trump administration, rather than getting sidetracked by misleading media.”
Prasad resigned as the FDA’s chief science officer on July 30 amidst backlash from conservative figures like activist Laura Rumer and former Senator Rick Centrum (R-Pa.).
Rumer, a notable supporter of President Trump, has recently faced fierce criticism from FDA officials.
Prasad took on the role of head at the FDA’s Biological Evaluation and Research Centre in early May but stepped down in March following a dispute with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was expected to replace Peter Marks.
The doctor, among other health officials, attracted Trump’s ire for their critical stance on the Covid-19 vaccine, and he had only served for a few months when his resignation was announced.
“Dr. Prasad wished to avoid distractions related to the FDA’s impactful work under Trump, so he opted to return to California to be with his family,” an HHS spokesperson noted at that time. “We appreciate his contributions and the significant reforms he implemented while at the FDA.”
At that period, the department was also embroiled in a conflict regarding the administration and salepta treatment. The FDA had halted the transport and clinical trials of Elevedisis for those suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy after the deaths of two patients linked to the medication.
Prior to his role in the administration, Prasad had been against the approval of treatment following Mark’s rejection of the agency’s review.
Recently, he garnered attention for imposing limits on approvals for two Covid-19 vaccines, disregarding government scientists’ recommendations. Two notes released by the FDA last month indicated that doctors had directly intervened to impose restrictions on drug manufacturers Novavax and Modanya after the coronavirus vaccine was approved for individuals over 12 years old.
