Top FDA official resigns – Becker’s Hospital Review | Healthcare News

The FDA’s top vaccine and gene therapy official, Vinay Prasad, MD, has resigned following an online campaign led by Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer who targeted him over drug approval decisions, The New York Times reported July 29. 

Over the last week, Ms. Loomer went to social media to criticize Dr. Prasad’s decision to deny the approval of rare disease drugs. 

Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson confirmed the resignation July 29 stating, “Dr. Prasad did not want to be a distraction to the great work of the FDA in the Trump administration and has decided to return to California and spend more time with his family. We thank him for his service and the many important reforms he was able to achieve in his time at FDA.”

As Ms. Loomer’s campaign escalated, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. privately defended Dr. Prasad, according to the Times, citing support  of Dr. Prasad’s role overseeing vaccines during his brief tenure. 

Marty Makary, MD, the FDA’s commissioner also defended Dr. Prasad in an interview with Politico published July 25, saying he was an “impeccable scientist.” However, between continued criticism from Ms. Loomer and lobbying of White House officials by former Sen. Rick Santorum, it was not enough. 

Dr. Prasad also faced backlash for cracking down on Sarepta Therapeutics, which came under scrutiny over three individuals who died of liver complications after using Sapepta’s gene therapy drugs. Though Dr. Prasad convinced the company to halt shipment of the drug Elevidys, he reversed the decision days later for individuals who were believed to be at lower risk for complications.