Biologics Regulation and ResearchThe People and Work of Buildings 29 & 29A

Gerald V. Quinnan, Jr., M.D. (1947-still living)

Dr. Gerald V. Quinnan, Jr., received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the College of Holy Cross (Massachusetts) in 1969 and graduated cum laude from St. Louis University Medical School in 1973. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in adult infectious disease at Boston University Medical Center from 1973 to 1977.

Quinnan became a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service in 1977 and was assigned to the Division of Virology in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Bureau of Biologics (formerly the National Institutes of Health [NIH] Division of Biologics Standards [DBS]).

In 1980, Quinnan was appointed director of the Herpes Virus Branch of the Division of Virology. From 1980 to 1981 he was also the acting deputy division director. Quinnan then became the director of the Division of Virology in 1981.

a black and white photo of a man in a shirt and tie

Scan of photo printed in FDA Today around 1990. FDA History Office

a color photo of a man in a tan suit and tie LinkedIn

In 1987, biologics was reorganized and renamed the FDA Center for Biologics Research and Evaluation (CBER). Quinnan was named deputy director of CBER in 1988, and from 1990 to 1992 he was acting CBER director. Beginning in 1993, Quinnan was a professor of preventive medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and a consultant for NIH and various other companies and organizations.

Quinnan is an expert in the immunology and pathogenesis of viral diseases with an emphasis on cell-mediated immunity, herpes viruses, retroviruses, HIV, and vaccine safety. Quinnan also led crucial work pursued by CBER scientists such as efforts addressing the AIDS epidemic, particularly with possible vaccines; a robust herpes virus research program; and the first license issued to a genetically engineered vaccine (for hepatitis B).

He has received several awards including a FDA Commendable Service Award in 1979, and many U.S. Public Health Services Citations and Medals.

Dr. Quinnan worked in Building 29A, second floor; he also worked in Building 29, Room 130 for his administrative roles.

a photo from a newspaper of two men at a press conference, one in uniform and one in coat and tie, with a hepatitis B vaccine poster

Dr. Quinnan, at left, with FDA Commissioner Frank E. Young, at right, during a press conference in 1986 for the FDA’s first licensing of a genetically engineered vaccine (hepatitis B vaccine). FDA History Office

a black and white headshot of a man in a shirt and tie against a tile wall

Dr. Quinnan in the 1983 FDA Directory. FDA History Office