Vinay Prasad was not good for the FDA. But his ouster makes things worse

Taking stock of the drug industry, from the lab to the medicine chest

July 30, 2025 Check out STAT+

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By Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Molly Ferguson for STAT STAT+ | Vinay Prasad was not good for the FDA. But his ouster makes things worse Prasad's weakness left him exposed to politics, but his removal may weaken the agency's ability to adhere to good science. By Matthew Herper STAT+ | Inside the fall of Vinay Prasad at the FDA Prasad's departure follows criticism from MAGA and MAHA, a campaign by a right-wing activist, and a controversy over a rare disease drug. By Lizzy Lawrence STAT+ | FDA names drug regulator Tidmarsh acting head of biologics center after Prasad's exit George Tidmarsh is taking on more responsibilities at FDA after the sudden departure of top official Vinay Prasad. By Lizzy Lawrence Adobe STAT+ | Biotech says its cholesterol drug shows signs of preventing Alzheimer's The company, New Amsterdam Pharma, hopes that a medicine born out of big failures may have an unexpected benefit. By Matthew Herper STAT+ | For AI-based 'breakthrough' medical devices, Medicare coverage may become easier Policy makers are eager to make it easy for AI devices that FDA designates as 'breakthrough' to get Medicare coverage — a win for lobbyists. By Katie Palmer

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