Vinay Prasad is returning to his role overseeing vaccine, gene therapy and blood product regulation at the US Food and Drug Administration a little more than a week after he left the agency. “At the FDA’s request, Dr Vinay Prasad is resuming leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research,” US Health and Human…
The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary and a long time vaccine critic, announced in a statement Tuesday that $500 million worth of vaccine development projects,…
The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official, Vinay Prasad, has left the agency after just three months as Director of the Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research, a government spokesperson said. Prasad, an oncologist who was a fierce critic of the US COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates, was appointed in May by…
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a scathing attack on the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) on Monday, calling the federal system “broken,” “corrupt,” and “inefficient.” He pledged to lead a sweeping overhaul to restore its original mission of supporting victims of vaccine injuries. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic and former lawyer…
A West Virginia judge’s ruling on Thursday permitting three unvaccinated children to attend public school this fall has sparked intense debate over the intersection of religious freedom, student safety, and access to education. Issued just weeks before the new school year begins, the injunction marks a significant moment in a growing national struggle over vaccine…
The United States will no longer distribute influenza vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, marking a dramatic shift in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move follows a recommendation from a vaccine advisory panel, whose members were appointed by Kennedy, to phase out thimerosal-containing flu shots. Though the additive has…
NEW DELHI: A wave of sudden cardiac deaths in Karnataka, especially among young people, has jolted the state government into action, with chief minister Siddaramaiah announcing a 10-day deadline for an expert panel to submit its findings. In the past month alone, at least 20 people in Hassan district have reportedly died of heart attacks,…
Former India cricketer turned commentator Varun Aaron has showered massive praise on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, comparing him with a vaccine. Bumrah has been in marvellous form ever since his return to action after three months in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). The speedster has orchestrated several thumping victories in the ongoing…
Kolkata-born US-based physician Dr Ananda Bandyopadhyay, known for his significant contributions to India’s polio elimination efforts and measles surveillance initiatives, has been awarded the prestigious IVI–SK Bioscience Park MahnHoon Award. Bandyopadhyay, 45, of Gates Foundation, was jointly honoured with Professor Pierre Van Damme of the University of Antwerp. The duo was recognised for their groundbreaking…
Dr Krishna Ella executive chairman Bharat Biotech HYDERABAD: Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Wednesday said its oral cholera vaccine, Hillchol, successfully completed Phase III clinical trials demonstrating efficacy against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes.The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said Hillchol showed an over four-fold rise in vibriocidal antibodies—68.3% for Ogawa and 69.5% for Inaba serotypes. The…