The primary advocacy group for the US biotech industry has expressed a rare criticism following the sudden resignation of the country’s leading vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They warned that the departure of his experienced leadership would weaken scientific standards and negatively impact the development of groundbreaking treatments for diseases.
The statement, issued by John Crowley from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), followed the news that Dr. Peter Marks, who oversaw vaccine safety at the FDA, stepped down due to what he described as “misinformation and lies” coming from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
This criticism marks a significant departure from the industry’s usual silence regarding government policies, including recent cuts to medical and research jobs under the Trump administration.
Crowley’s statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining scientific expertise and strong leadership within health agencies and upholding the high standards of these institutions. BIO, the largest organization of its kind globally, remains committed to collaborating with the Trump administration to support and strengthen the FDA.
Marks, who had served as the top vaccine official since 2016 and played a key role in Operation Warp Speed, was reportedly forced to resign or face firing by officials within the Kennedy-led Health and Human Services department. His resignation letter criticized Kennedy for prioritizing “misinformation and lies” over truth and transparency, warning that undermining confidence in vaccines is detrimental to public health and national security.
This development follows the confirmation of Dr. Martin Makary as the new FDA commissioner, a move that has been criticized by some who question his stance on the Covid-19 pandemic response. The resignation and appointment have raised concerns about the future direction and decision-making at the FDA, especially regarding vaccine policy and public health safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/30/biotech-group-warns-exit-fda-vaccine-official-erode-standards
