Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Vinay Prasad Resigns from FDA Amid Gene Therapy Scrutiny
Dr. Vinay Prasad, a high-ranking doctor at the FDA (a government agency that checks medicines and vaccines), has quit his job.
He left after being criticized for his decisions about a gene therapy drug made by Sarepta Therapeutics.
A person on social media named Laura Loomer, who is known for supporting a former president, also attacked Prasad.
The reason for Prasad's departure was likely due to the campaign against him.
He was also known for speaking out against government health rules during COVID.
Dr. Vinay Prasad, a top FDA official, resigned after a short tenure.
His resignation followed criticism related to his handling of Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy drug.
Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer led a campaign against Prasad, criticizing his past political views.
Prasad had previously expressed criticism of the government's COVID-19 policies.
Prasad was an outspoken critic of certain FDA drug approvals before joining the agency.
- Who
- Vinay Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist and former FDA official.
- What
- Dr. Vinay Prasad resigned from his position at the FDA.
- When
- Resigned recently (within the last three months), according to reports.
- Where
- US, specifically at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Why
- Resigned due to controversy and pressure from right-wing criticism, and handling of drug approvals.
Proponents of Strict Approval Standards
Advocates for Accelerated Drug Approval
Sarepta Drug Approval
Proponents of Strict Approval Standards
Believed there was insufficient evidence for the Sarepta drug's effectiveness in treating a rare disease.
Advocates for Accelerated Drug Approval
Believed it was necessary to allow the Sarepta drug to continue being shipped to certain patients.
Political Affiliation
Proponents of Strict Approval Standards
Prasad's past liberal views and comments should not disqualify him.
Advocates for Accelerated Drug Approval
Prasad's past political views, and past remarks, made him unfit for the role.
- Position Held
- Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
- Reason for Resignation
- Pressure from White House, Right-wing activist criticism, and controversy over Sarepta gene therapy drug.
- Previous Profession
- Hematologist-oncologist and professor at UCSF
- Controversy
- Handling of Sarepta's gene therapy drug, previous criticism of vaccine policies
- Influencer
- Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist
- Book Author
- Ending Medical Reversal (2015), Malignant (2020)
