FDA Resignation: Vinay Prasad Steps Down Amidst Controversies

Vinay Prasad, the chief medical and science officer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has resigned, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA. His departure follows a wave of controversies over a gene therapy drug for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Prasad, who joined the FDA in June, decided to step down to avoid being a 'distraction' to the agency's ongoing efforts under the Trump administration. The former oncologist plans to return to California and devote more time to his family, an HHS spokesperson conveyed.

Prasad's resignation was first reported by Endpoints News and occurred after the FDA reversed its decision to halt shipments of Sarepta Therapeutics' Elevidys, following patient deaths. His time at the FDA was marked by significant reforms and controversy over various health mandates.

(With inputs from agencies.)