# Vinay Prasad
Who / What
Vinay Prasad is an American hematologist-oncologist and health researcher. He holds a leadership position at a major U.S. regulatory agency and is a professor and author focused on medical evidence and policy.
Background & History
Vinay Prasad, whose full name is Vinayak Kashyap Prasad, built his career as a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He gained prominence through his research and writing, authoring influential books on medical practices. A key milestone in his career was his appointment in May 2025 to a directorship at a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) center.
Why Notable
He is notable for his significant contributions to the critique of medical evidence and practices through his research and publications like *Ending Medical Reversal* and *Malignant*. His role as a professor at UCSF established him as a leading voice in epidemiology. His appointment as director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research marks a major achievement, placing him in a position to influence national health policy and drug regulation.
In the News
Vinay Prasad is currently relevant due to his appointment in May 2025 as director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. This development matters as it places him in a key regulatory role overseeing biologics, which is a critical area of medicine and public health. His leadership is likely to shape FDA policies on complex treatments like vaccines and gene therapies.
