FDA's Chief Science Officer Vinay Prasad Steps Down Amid Controversy

In a surprising development, Vinay Prasad, the chief medical and science officer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has resigned. This departure was officially confirmed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday.

An HHS spokesperson, in a statement to Reuters, indicated that Dr. Prasad's decision was influenced by a desire to prevent distracting from the FDA's ongoing work under the Trump administration. Prasad intends to return to California, prioritizing family time after notable contributions at the FDA.

Prasad's resignation follows contentious FDA decisions concerning Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Initially banning its distribution due to recipient deaths, the FDA later lifted the suspension. Prasad's leadership, albeit brief, involved steering various reforms, including addressing criticisms over previous FDA leadership and COVID-19 policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)