U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary told reporters on Tuesday that the agency has not finalized a choice to replace outgoing Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research director Vinay Prasad, but he anticipates announcing a successor in the weeks ahead.
The FDA had made Prasad's departure public last month. At that time Makary said Prasad would step down by the end of April and that a new director would be named by then. That timeline has not yet produced a formal appointment.
"The search for the director of the biologic center is going extremely well. We have terrific candidates that so that process is going well," said Makary.
When asked about the current status of the selection, Makary reiterated that a decision has not been reached but expressed an expectation that the agency will make an announcement soon.
"No decision has been reached at this point, but I expect it in the coming weeks," he added.
Prasad, an oncologist, had been a prominent and outspoken critic of certain U.S. drug and vaccine policies prior to joining the agency, particularly around COVID-19 mandates. Those positions were noted in public accounts of his tenure and were referenced in coverage of his departure.
Makary's comments leave a short window for the FDA to complete its internal process and formally name a new head for the biologics center. The agency's public statements to date confirm the timing of Prasad's exit and Makary's expectation of a near-term announcement, while the identity of the successor remains pending.
As the selection process continues, agency officials and interested observers are awaiting the announcement Makary has signaled will come in the near term.