Peter Marks, who has been a prominent figure at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012, has announced his resignation from the agency effective April 5. Marks has been leading the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research since 2016, a crucial role in overseeing vaccine safety and efficacy. His decision to resign, reportedly made under pressure to either step down or be fired, has raised eyebrows and concerns within the public health community.
In his resignation letter, obtained by The Washington Post, Marks expressed his distress over the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. He emphasized that this situation serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that arise when public confidence in established scientific practices is compromised. Marks stated, "It is unconscionable with measles outbreaks to not have a full-throated endorsement of measles vaccinations." His comments reflect a growing concern among health experts regarding the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Marks' resignation comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist who has been using his position to promote unverified health claims, including the benefits of vitamin A as a treatment for measles. While health experts acknowledge that vitamin A can be beneficial after infection, they assert it cannot replace the necessity of vaccination. Kennedy's stance that vaccination should be a personal choice has been met with significant backlash from public health advocates.
Throughout his tenure at the FDA, Marks has played a vital role in advancing public health initiatives. He was instrumental in the development of Operation Warp Speed, a program initiated during the Trump administration aimed at accelerating the creation and distribution of coronavirus vaccines. A December 2022 study by the Commonwealth Fund highlighted the program's success, estimating that COVID-19 vaccines prevented over 18.5 million hospitalizations and 3.2 million deaths in the U.S.
Marks' resignation has prompted commendations from former FDA commissioners who recognize his leadership. Scott Gottlieb, who served during the Trump administration, noted Marks' contributions to breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy, which have significantly improved treatments for conditions such as pediatric leukemia and sickle cell disease. Mark McClellan, another former commissioner, praised Marks for his commitment to using science and data to advance lifesaving biomedical technologies.
In his resignation letter, Marks indicated his willingness to collaborate with Kennedy on reviewing vaccine safety. However, he expressed concerns that the Secretary of Health seems more interested in validating misinformation rather than seeking transparency. This sentiment underscores the growing divide between scientific evidence and public discourse on vaccine safety.
Gottlieb cautioned that the departure of experienced officials like Marks could jeopardize future public health efforts, warning against undermining institutions that have facilitated significant medical advancements. "We’re failing to appreciate the people and institutions who’ve propelled these remarkable advances," he stated, emphasizing the need for credible alternatives to support ongoing public health initiatives.
