Vinay Prasad Returns to Key FDA Role Amid Controversy

Vinay Prasad, a former critic of U.S. COVID-19 policies, returns to the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research after briefly leaving. His tenure drew criticism, notably over the handling of gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The FDA halted and then reinstated the distribution of the controversial therapy.

Vinay Prasad is stepping back into his role overseeing vaccine regulation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, just over a week after his departure. The return comes amid significant scrutiny of Prasad's past actions and decisions during his tenure.

The FDA's re-appointment of Dr. Vinay Prasad to lead the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research was confirmed by a statement from U.S. Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon, following agency turbulence under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership.

Prasad, previously an outspoken critic of U.S. COVID-19 policies, faced backlash over the FDA's approval and subsequent handling of a gene therapy tied to deaths from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leading to a temporary suspension of its distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)