A prominent official at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Peter Marks, has reportedly resigned following pressure from the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Marks submitted his resignation on Friday after being faced with the ultimatum of resigning or being terminated.
In his resignation letter, obtained by various media outlets, Marks expressed his concerns, 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." Marks, who has played a critical role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines since his elevation to director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in 2016, indicated a heavy heart while departing from his position.
The HHS quickly responded to Marks’ resignation, claiming that if he does not align with their objectives of promoting science and transparency, he would not fit into the organization under Kennedy's leadership. His resignation is effective April 5.
Marks noted growing concerns about a measles outbreak in Texas connected to dwindling public confidence in science-based health policies, a sentiment echoed amidst reports of at least two measles-related deaths and over 500 cases in the country, with Texas accounting for a significant portion of these numbers.
Kennedy’s administration has been marked by his dubious views on vaccines and announced restructuring plans that include cutting 10,000 jobs across the HHS, which might involve personnel from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ramifications of these changes extend beyond individual positions and raise alarm about the future direction of US health policy.
