FDA Vaccine Chief's Controversial Departure Shakes Agency

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA's vaccine chief, steps down amid controversy after brief tenure. Prasad faced criticism for halting shipments of a gene therapy after patient deaths, attracting ire from pro-Trump activists. He leaves to focus on family, with Dr. George Tidmarsh succeeding in an acting role.

The Food and Drug Administration's top vaccine official, Dr. Vinay Prasad, has exited the agency amidst a brief and tumultuous tenure that stirred discontent among biotech stakeholders and President Trump's conservative allies.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Prasad is stepping down to spend more time with his family, but insiders report he was forced out following controversies, including an oversight decision on gene therapy shipments.

Prasad's departure highlights friction with Trump's base over his scepticism towards accelerated drug approvals, an approach clashing with the administration's push for wider access to experimental treatments.

(With inputs from agencies.)