Vinay Prasad, an outspoken critic of the pharmaceutical industry and Covid vaccine protocols, has recently been appointed as the head of the US Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). This move has triggered a significant reaction in the biotech industry, with stocks plummeting upon the announcement. Prasad, an oncologist and hematologist, has a history of advocating for stricter regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning the approval of new therapies and medications. He has been vocal in his opposition to Covid boosters and has called for more extensive studies on childhood vaccines and their potential links to autism.

Despite his credentials as a licensed physician and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, Prasad is no longer board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, or oncology. His appointment to lead the CBER, overseeing more than 1,000 employees, has raised questions about his lack of previous leadership experience beyond his research lab.

Prasad’s critical stance extends to the relationships between pharmaceutical companies and regulators, advocating for restrictions and transparency in these interactions. He has also proposed streamlining the clinical trial process and has sharply criticized the accelerated approval process for new medications. However, his recent opposition to Covid boosters and other precautionary measures has sparked controversy among his peers, leading to concerns about his approach to public health issues.

Overall, Prasad’s appointment signifies a shift towards more stringent regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, with potential implications for future drug approvals and public health policies.