Top vaccine regulator returns to FDA after recent firing

Dr. Vinay Prasad is back at the FDA less than two weeks after the White House pressed the head of the agency to remove him from his multiple agency leadership roles, an HHS spokesperson said Saturday.

After Commissioner Marty Makary requested the return of Prasad to his job regulating biologics and vaccines, the White House decided the agency could bring him back after reviewing Prasad’s past remarks highlighted by right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer last month, according to a person familiar with the decision granted anonymity to discuss the decision.

“At the FDA’s request, Dr. Vinay Prasad is resuming leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research,” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said. HHS declined to answer additional questions about Prasad’s reinstatement...