FDA Vaccine Chief Leaves Amid Controversy, Again

Dr Vinay Prasad, FDA's vaccine chief, departs for the second time due to controversial vaccine and drug review decisions. Commissioner Marty Makary announced his departure, following previous disputes over reversing approvals and imposing new trials on biotech drugs, particularly COVID vaccines, despite efforts to ease review processes.

Dr Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration's vaccine chief, has decided to leave the agency once more amidst controversy. This marks the second instance of Prasad's departure in less than a year, as he exits following contentious decisions regarding vaccine and specialty drug reviews.

The announcement was made by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary via an email to the agency's staff, disclosing that Prasad will be leaving at the end of April to resume his academic role at the University of California, San Francisco. The developments highlight ongoing disputes over the FDA's handling of vaccine and biotech drug approvals.

Earlier, Prasad faced temporary removal in July after disagreements with biotech executives, patient groups, and conservative allies of President Donald Trump. Despite his initial ouster, he was reinstated shortly after, supported by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. His tenure has been marked by both efforts to streamline FDA processes and stricter requirements for COVID vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies.)