Controversy has erupted in political and pharmaceutical circles following the resignation of top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official Vinay Prasad, amidst accusations that far-right influencer Laura Loomer acted as a "plant" for pharmaceutical company Sarepta Therapeutics. The allegations, prominently made by right-wing critic Kevin Bass, suggest Loomer's campaign against Prasad was orchestrated to remove him due to his critical stance on Sarepta's Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug, Elevidys. Prasad left his role at the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research on July 30, stating he did so to avoid becoming a "distraction."
Kevin Bass, a vocal critic of the pharmaceutical industry, publicly accused Loomer of being utilized by Sarepta. "The company that used Laura Loomer as a plant to oust FDA official Vinay Prasad," Bass stated on X, linking Loomer's actions directly to Sarepta's interests. Other conservative figures, including American Majority CEO Ned Ryun, echoed these claims, alleging Loomer was "funded by Sarepta Therapeutics to take Vinay out," potentially through intermediaries.
Prasad had been a long-standing critic of Sarepta's Elevidys, a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and had previously expressed skepticism about its approval. His efforts to limit the drug, including pausing shipments and threatening clinical trials, put him at odds with the company. The timing of Loomer's intense social media campaign against Prasad, which included accusations of disloyalty to former President Donald Trump, coincided with this high-profile struggle between Prasad and Sarepta.
Laura Loomer has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting, "I do not work for Big Pharma." She has characterized herself as a "loyalty enforcer" within the conservative movement, suggesting her actions against Prasad were based on his perceived political leanings. Despite her denials, the accusations highlight a growing trend of "pay-for-play" claims within the right-wing media landscape.
The FDA later reversed its position on Elevidys, a move that some far-right figures speculated was the real purpose behind Loomer's attacks on Prasad. Notably, former Republican Senator Rick Santorum, who reportedly has ties to Sarepta, had contacted White House officials to complain about Prasad's efforts to restrict Elevidys. In a recent development, Dr. Vinay Prasad has since rejoined the FDA, indicating a potential resolution to the internal turmoil.