In a significant development, Dr. Vinay Prasad is set to resume his leadership role at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) under the direction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This announcement was made by Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who emphasized the administration's commitment to maintaining focus on critical health initiatives. “Neither the White House nor HHS will allow the fake news media to distract from the critical work the FDA is carrying out under the Trump administration,” Nixon stated.
Dr. Prasad, a prominent physician and academic, previously joined the Trump administration as a senior health official after gaining recognition for his critiques of the public health response to the coronavirus pandemic. His appointment to the FDA’s CBER marks a return to a pivotal position in the regulatory landscape. However, his departure from the administration in July raised questions about his future role.
In July, Dr. Prasad faced backlash from conservative circles, particularly from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized his approach to drug approvals and his past support for Democratic politicians. This criticism reportedly led to his ouster on July 29, as directed by the White House, according to sources who spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity.
Following a reevaluation of the criticisms against him, the White House chose to support Dr. Prasad’s return to the administration. This decision came after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who had previously backed Prasad, reached out to the White House to advocate for his reinstatement. “The idea that he was pushed out by anybody is simply untrue,” Makary asserted during a recent news conference. “He saw some media headlines and didn’t want to be a distraction. We have encouraged him to reconsider, and we’re still doing that.”
Despite the support from the White House, Dr. Prasad’s return has sparked further controversy. Loomer, who has actively targeted officials she perceives as disloyal to Trump, described his reinstatement as an “egregious personnel decision.” She announced plans to escalate her efforts to expose what she terms the “pay for play rot” within HHS and the FDA, especially focused on those who oppose Trump’s agenda.
As Dr. Prasad prepares to take on his responsibilities again, the extent of his authority remains a topic of speculation. It is unclear whether he will also resume his previous position as the FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer. However, his return places him in a critical role within one of the most influential regulatory bodies in the United States.
