Fired FDA Biologics Chief Re-employed by Agency Under Trump Administration Days Later
Vinay Prasad, a renowned hematologist-oncologist and epidemiologist, has been reinstated as the head of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). Prasad's rehiring comes after his forced resignation in late July 2025, following a public pressure campaign led by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who accused him of undermining former President Trump's agenda.
Despite his resignation, both FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. opposed Prasad’s departure and advocated for his return, which happened less than two weeks later at the FDA’s request.
Prasad’s controversial stance includes being an outspoken critic of COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates during the pandemic. He limited COVID-19 vaccine use and promoted warnings about rare vaccine side effects during his brief leadership at CBER. Additionally, he criticized decisions made by his predecessor, particularly around regulatory flexibility and approvals for gene therapies, such as condemning the clearance of Sarepta Therapeutics’ Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy Elevidys, which his predecessor had approved over other FDA staff objections.
His critics pointed to past critical comments Prasad made about Trump and his supporters, including describing Trump supporters as criminals and comparing them to drug addicts, which became a focal point of the campaign against him. Laura Loomer, the far-right activist behind the campaign, labeled him a "progressive Marxist" hostile to Trump’s base.
The rehiring of Prasad at the FDA was in response to a request from the Department of Health and Human Services. Under Prasad's leadership, the agency butted heads with Sarepta Therapeutics over its Elevidys gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The FDA initially ordered a pause in the use of the therapy due to patient deaths, but later reversed its decision and recommended the therapy to patients capable of walking, days after the reversal.
The circus performed at the Food and Drug Administration this weekend, with HHS stating that they will not allow the media to distract from the critical work the FDA is carrying out under the Trump administration. FDA Commissioner Makary stated that he was working to bring back Prasad after his departure, despite Trump pushing for Prasad's firing, over the objections of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Prasad's comeback may signal that Loomer's influence over the White House isn't as ironclad as it appears. Prasad left the FDA shortly after the reversal of the Sarepta decision, and has written editorials, articles, and studies critical of the medical establishment and public health agencies like the FDA.
Sources: [1] Endpoints News, 2025. [2] The Washington Post, 2025. [3] The New York Times, 2025.
- Gizmodo reported on the controversial return of Vinay Prasad as the head of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), following his reinstatement.
- Prasad's stance on health subjects, such as his criticism of COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates, have been a point of contention during his tenure.
- The future of technology and science, particularly in the medical field, is being influenced by Prasad's policies, as he limited the use of COVID-19 vaccines and cautioned about rare side effects.
- His controversial decisions, including his criticism of gene therapies like Sarepta Therapeutics’ Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy Elevidys, have sparked debates in the field of science and health-and-wellness.
- Mental health advocates have raised concerns about Prasad's past comments, which have been perceived as derogatory towards certain groups, including his description of Trump supporters as criminals.
- The rehiring of Prasad was a subject of discussion in the realm of policy and legislation, as it is believed to have political underpinnings, with President Trump initially pushing for his firing.
- The casino culture and gambling industry have not been unaffected by this news, asPrasad's reinstatement was covered in general-news outlets, which often feature stories about crime and justice.
- Sports enthusiasts, particularly basketball fans who follow the NBA, may have noticed coverage of this story in their news feeds, given its connection to politics and public health.
- Therapies and treatments for chronic diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, continue to face challenges in the face of political pressure and disagreements within the medical-conditions field.
- Vinay Prasad's comeback at the FDA may have implications for war-and-conflicts, as his past criticisms of certain policies could potentially shape future political decisions.
- It is crucial to stay informed about the ongoing developments in this story, as the intersection of politics, healthcare, and technology will continue to shape the future of our society.
