> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.fdaweb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Prasad Reassumes Chief Medical/Scientific Officer Role
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/prasad-reassumes-chief-medical-scientific-officer-role/
- Published: 2025-09-11T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T15:21:28.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Biologics, #legacy-id-D5159855

CBER director **Vinay Prasad** has been reassigned his previous additional duties as FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer, a 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,” an [updated bio](https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-organization/vinay-prasad?ref=fdaweb.com) on FDA’s Web site says.

Last month, Prasad returned to FDA to continue leading CBER at the request of Makary and HHS secretary **Robert F. Kennedy Jr**. Prasad, who had come under attack from right-wing activist and commentator **Laura Loomer**, former Sen. **Rick Santorum** (R-PA), and the *Wall Street Journal* editorial board ([see story](https://www.fdaweb.com/trump-overruled-makary-rfk-to-fire-prasad-sources/)), decided to resign in late July to avoid being a distraction for the Trump Administration.

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.