Vinay Prasad, MD, MPH, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, is leaving the agency for the second time in less than a year.[1] According to an HHS spokesman, Prasad was recently pressured to leave by biotech firms, patient groups and conservative allies of President Trump.[1] Shortly thereafter, less than two weeks later, he returns to his position as the FDA's top vaccine regulator.[1][4] Prasad ordered a halt to distribution of the gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy after the deaths of two patients, which the FDA quickly reversed after criticism from the patients' families and supporters of the experimental drugs.[1] Under his leadership, the FDA limited the approval of two new COVID-19 vaccines from Novavax and Moderna and imposed stricter testing requirements.[1] Prasad also decided to reject Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine despite the recommendation of the FDA's career scientists.[3] He has the support of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[1]