Pharmaceutical Industry Reaping Billions of Dollars in Profits from Coronavirus Tests
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have urged widespread testing for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is associated with COVID-19 disease. The two types of coronavirus tests used for diagnosis are laboratory tests and rapid tests, which can either be an antigen test or a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test […]
The Cautionary Tale of a Biotech Company’s Founder, Convicted of Fraud
Elizabeth Holmes was once seen as a revolutionary female genius who graced the cover of magazines such as Forbes and Bloomberg Businessweek. She was Glamour magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in 2015. An Inc. Magazine cover featuring Holmes called her “The Next Steve Jobs.” Headlines boasted of her rise to fame and fortune in Silicon […]
Sales of Pfizer COVID-19 Biologic for 2021-2022 May Near $70 Billion
Based on better than expected sales of its experimental messenger RNA (mRNA) BNT162b2 COVID-19 biologic, New York-based pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Inc. last summer revised projected sales of its experimental drug, also known as “Comirnaty,” from $26 billion to $33.5 billion in 2021. Characterizing second-quarter sales of BNT162b2 as “remarkable,” Pfizer’s chief executive officer (CEO) Albert […]
Former Pfizer Employee Whistleblower Alleges Falsified Data in COVID Biologic Trial
A former testing site researcher in Texas has alleged that Pfizer’s pre-licensure BNT162b2 (also known as “Comirnaty”) COVID-19 biologic trials included falsification of data, unblinding patients, employing inadequately trained vaccinators, and delays in following up on experimental COVID vaccine adverse reaction reports.1 According to clinical trial researcher Brook Jackson, the incidences occurred during the phase […]
Merck and Pfizer Seek Approval for COVID-19 Antiviral Drugs
Merck and Pfizer have submitted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize distribution of what would be the first antiviral drug specifically designed to treat COVID-19 disease.1 Merck/Ridgeback Biotherapeutics are seeking EUA approval for Molnupiravir (MK-4482/EIDD-2801), an investigational oral antiviral drug originally developed to treat influenza.2 Pfizer […]
COVID Vaccine Mandates Worsen Shortage of Health Care Workers in U.S.
In early September 2021, Rick Pollack, the CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA) said that the association supports COVID-19 vaccine mandates and has been trying to increase vaccination rates in hospitals and health systems. He added, “As a practical matter, this policy may result in exacerbating the severe workforce shortage problems that currently exist.”1 […]