FDA’s top gene therapy regulator is leaving his role

Vijay Kumar took over after Vinay Prasad tried to fire Nicole Verdun

Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53.

WASHINGTON — Vijay Kumar, acting director of the office that reviews cell and gene therapies at the Food and Drug Administration, is stepping down from his role, according to an email obtained by STAT.

“After careful reflection, I decided the time has come for me to move on,” Kumar wrote. “I discussed with Center and Agency leadership; we mutually decided not to renew my detail.”