CBER’s Prasad Named Chief Medical/Scientific Officer

CBER director Vinay Prasad has been given additional duties as FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer, a new combination role for commissioner Marty Makary’s closest advisor. “In this capacity, he will serve as a trusted advisor to the FDA commissioner and other senior officials on cross-cutting and emerging medical and scientific issues impacting regulatory science and public health,” Makary said in announcing Prasad’s new roles.

Previously, the agency’s chief scientist and chief medical officer were occupied by two individuals selected by the commissioner. The most recent occupants were Namandjé Bumpus, who served as chief scientist up until she left the agency 12/31/2024, shortly before the new administration came in, and Hilary Marston, who served as the chief medical officer until two months ago when she left the agency in reaction to widespread employee lay-offs.