Peter Marks’ forced resignation doesn’t bode well for Kennedy’s FDA

Welcome to Lab Dish, a new First Opinion column on regenerative medicine from Paul Knoepfler.

There are certain leaders who quietly make complex organizations operate well including in the toughest of times—leaders like Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), who resigned Friday. Marks’ effectiveness at the Food and Drug Administration saved countless lives and greatly advanced the cell and gene therapy field.

Marks, whose role also made him the FDA’s top vaccine regulator, was given the choice of resigning or being fired. Now, it is important to reflect on some of Marks’ accomplishments, what his absence will mean, and the ominous implications of his departure.