FDA picks critic of COVID boosters to be new top vaccines official

The Food and Drug Administration has appointed Dr. Vinay Prasad as the new head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, taking over from Dr. Peter Marks. Dr. Prasad is known for his criticism of the FDA’s decision to authorize COVID-19 vaccine boosters without sufficient clinical data. His appointment has been praised by FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary for bringing scientific rigor, independence, and transparency to the center.

Dr. Prasad, a professor at the University of California at San Francisco, has been vocal about the need for randomized clinical trials before approving updates to COVID-19 vaccines. He has expressed concerns about the potential risks of approving vaccines without proper testing, warning that it could lead to vaccine hesitancy among the public.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Prasad gained a following for his criticism of vaccine mandates and calls to ban certain vaccines for specific demographics. He was also accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, along with other prominent figures in the medical community.

In a statement to employees, Dr. Makary praised Dr. Prasad’s skills, energy, and competence, noting his long and distinguished history in medicine. Dr. Prasad is eager to begin his work at the FDA and contribute to the important work of the agency.

Overall, Dr. Prasad’s appointment signifies a shift towards a more rigorous and transparent approach to vaccine approvals at the FDA. With his background in epidemiology and biostatistics, he is well-positioned to lead the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in its mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of biologics products.