Dr. Vinay Prasad, a scientist of Indian origin, has been appointed as the new head of the Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This department is crucial for approving vaccines and other biological products. The announcement was made on Tuesday, confirming that Dr. Prasad will take over from Dr. Peter Marks, who stepped down in March after playing a key role in leading Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Marks’ departure, the role has been temporarily filled by an acting director.
Dr. Prasad, known for his direct and often controversial opinions, especially regarding the approval process of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, has a reputation for challenging the FDA’s decisions. His public criticism of the agency’s handling of booster shots, particularly the absence of thorough testing before approval, has ignited considerable debate. In a social media post, FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary praised Dr. Prasad, stating, “Dr. Prasad brings a much-needed level of scientific rigor, transparency, and independence to CBER.”
Why is Dr. Prasad controversial? His opposition to the emergency use authorization of COVID-19 boosters is well-documented, as he argued that there was insufficient data from randomized clinical trials to justify the approval. In 2024, he openly criticized Dr. Marks, alleging that his approval of the boosters without the necessary clinical data was either an act of incompetence or corruption. Following Marks’ departure, Prasad remarked online that the FDA could function just as well with a “bobblehead doll” stamping approvals.
Additionally, Prasad has been a vocal critic of the continued use of COVID-19 vaccines in young children, calling it “absurd” and questioning their efficacy against emerging virus strains.
A professor at the University of California, San Francisco, Prasad’s outspoken views on vaccine mandates and his call for more rigorous testing during the pandemic made him a prominent figure in public health debates. He even proposed banning Moderna’s vaccine for men under 40, further cementing his status as a controversial figure in the world of public health policy.
