FDA vaccines chief who ran afoul of pharma to depart

Vinay Prasad’s exit — his second from the agency in less than a year — comes after sharp criticism of his handling of drug applications.

Prasad angered drugmakers and patients with rare diseases by demanding more proof that experimental therapies work. | U.S. FDA via AP

Vinay Prasad, the Trump administration regulator who angered pharma companies and crushed the hopes of patients with rare diseases with a series of controversial decisions to reject new drug applications, will leave the agency next month.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said Friday Prasad, director of the agency’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, will depart at the end of April.

Prasad’s exit comes as he’s drawn sharp criticism in recent weeks for his handling of rare disease therapy candidates before the agency.

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