Vinay Prasad

Dr. Vinay Prasad is a former vaccine chief at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He is newsworthy due to his recent departure from the FDA for the second time in less than a year, announced by FDA commissioner Marty Makary. This follows controversies surrounding vaccine reviews and specialty drug approvals. Prasad's departure and stricter vaccine approval protocols he implemented have contributed to turmoil within the FDA, potentially making it difficult to find replacements for key positions. His actions have also led to criticism from experts who view the stricter protocols as 'dangerous and irresponsible.' The FDA's recent actions, including declining to review Moderna's flu vaccine application, have raised concerns about the agency's direction under the Trump administration and prompted external reviews of vaccine effectiveness by organizations like the largest medical body in the US.