FDA's Controversial Vaccine Chief Steps Down Amid Backlash

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA's polarizing vaccine chief, resigns after facing backlash from biotech firms and Trump allies. His brief tenure, marked by controversy, saw him critique FDA's drug approvals and COVID-19 vaccines. Prasad's handling of a controversial gene therapy raised further scrutiny before his departure.

The Food and Drug Administration's controversial vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, has resigned over clashes with biotech companies and Trump supporters. His short-lived tenure was met with criticism from various groups, including conservative activists like Laura Loomer.

A source revealed to The Associated Press that Prasad was dismissed following recent controversies while insisting his resignation was to "spend more time with family," according to a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson.

Prasad's leadership saw scrutiny over his decision to briefly halt a gene therapy for Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, which invited criticism from patients' families and conservative media, highlighting a stark divide over drug approval philosophies within the agency.

(With inputs from agencies.)