Washington, D.C., March 29, 2025 — Dr. Peter Marks, the director of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), has announced his resignation effective April 5, 2025. This decision follows reported tensions with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his critical views on vaccines.
Dr. Marks, who has led CBER since 2016, played a pivotal role in the rapid development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines during the first Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed. His departure marks the third high-profile exit from the FDA this year, raising concerns about the agency’s stability and future direction.
In his resignation letter, Dr. Marks expressed discontent with the current HHS leadership, stating, “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.” This statement underscores the growing discord between public health officials and the administration’s stance on vaccines.
Secretary Kennedy has initiated significant restructuring within HHS, including plans to reduce staff and halt existing vaccine contracts. These actions align with his longstanding skepticism towards vaccination programs, a position that has sparked controversy among medical professionals and public health advocates.
Dr. Marks’s resignation has elicited concern from various sectors. Public health experts fear that his departure could undermine confidence in the FDA’s commitment to scientific integrity and vaccine safety. Pharmaceutical companies have also expressed apprehension, given Dr. Marks’s instrumental role in facilitating vaccine development and approval processes.
As the FDA faces this leadership vacuum, the search for a successor will be closely watched. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for the agency’s future policies on vaccine regulation and public health initiatives.
