In his new role with the FDA, Dr. Vinay Prasad will oversee the regulation of costly drugs, including vaccines, gene therapies, and blood supply.

The US Food and Drug Administration has named Dr. Vinay Prasad, a hematologist oncologist, to lead its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the division that oversees vaccines and biologic medicines.

Dr. Vinay Prasad was an outspoken critic of the FDA’s response to the pandemic, including the former vaccine chief, Dr. Peter Marks.