Vinay Prasad’s FDA tenure ended amid controversy, sparking questions about his impact on vaccine and drug policies.
As of February 2026, the FDA, led by Dr. Vinay Prasad, has refused to review Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine application, citing trial design issues, specifically the comparator vaccine used. Despite late-stage trials showing improved efficacy, the FDA demands comparison against a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Moderna plans to meet with regulators to clarify next steps. This decision reflects heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has cut mRNA vaccine funding and rolled back vaccine recommendations.