06-05-2025
RFK Jr. picks controversial doctor as top vaccine regulator
Vinay Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist known for at times scathing social media critiques of public health policy, will be the FDA's new top vaccine regulator, according to an email viewed by Axios.
Why it matters: The University of California San Francisco physician will succeed Peter Marks, who abruptly resigned as director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in March, citing disagreements with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Driving the news: Prasad is an outspoken skeptic about COVID-19 vaccine mandates for kids, though he's called the vaccine itself a "a miraculous, life-saving advance."
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary wrote in an email to FDA staff that Prasad had published more than 500 academic articles, done extensive research in the field of oncology and presented at hundreds of scientific and medical conferences.
"He brings a great set of skills, energy, and competence to the FDA and I know that he is eager to begin immersing himself in the important work of CBER and the agency as a whole."
Zoom in: Prasad has made a name for himself on social media platforms including X, his Substack called Sensible Medicine, and the podcast The Plenary Session, where he discusses medicine, policy, ethics and the pharmaceutical industry.
He's courted controversy challenging industry influence in health policy and what he calls poor reasoning in clinical research.
He's also been a sharp critic of Marks, calling him "anti-data." Prasad also endorsed clawing back federal funding the Biden administration awarded to Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine.
He is the author of the books "Malignant: How Bad Policy and Bad Evidence Harm People with Cancer" and "Ending Medical Reversal: Improving Outcomes, Saving Lives."
Scott Steele, who served as acting CBER director following Marks' departure, will return to his position as senior advisor for translational science.
