Dr. Vinay Prasad has been reinstated to his former role as the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) less than two weeks after his resignation. Prasad oversees regulation of vaccines, gene therapies, and blood products. His initial departure in late July followed criticism and pressure from conservative allies of former President Donald Trump, biotech executives, and patient groups, who accused him of being too liberal. The resignation was reportedly linked to tensions over a Duchenne gene therapy review. Prasad's return, reportedly influenced by public health advocate Marty Makary, has caused fluctuations in biotech stocks, which rose upon news of his exit and fell after his reinstatement. The circumstances surrounding his return remain somewhat unclear, including internal staff notifications and recent personnel changes within the FDA. His reinstatement has reignited discussions about the influence of pharmaceutical companies and public health policy at the agency.