health
March 7, 2026
FDA vaccine head will step down in April after string of controversial decisions
Vinay Prasad is leaving his post as director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
TL;DR
- Vinay Prasad, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, will step down in April.
- Prasad's departure follows criticism from the biotech and pharmaceutical industries regarding the FDA's regulatory process.
- The FDA has reportedly denied or discouraged at least eight drug approval applications in the past year.
- Companies accuse the FDA of reversing previous guidance on supporting data for their applications.
- This has led to concerns that the unpredictable process could hinder the development of treatments for difficult diseases.
- A recent controversy involved the FDA discouraging UniQure from seeking expedited approval for a Huntington's disease treatment.
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