It’s no secret that Big Pharma has been playing a dangerous game for years now, and recent events have only served to highlight the extent of this negligence.
The most recent controversy comes from Pfizer, who have been accused of carrying out gain-of-function research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Pfizer is the company behind the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA, and their research ethics are now in question.
The accusations stem from a leaked video by investigative outlet Project Veritas, which features Pfizer Director of Research and Development, Strategic Operations Jordon Trishton Walker. In the video, Walker could be heard discussing the potential for mutating the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to preemptively develop new vaccines. He said:
“One of the things we’re exploring is like, why don’t we just f**king mutate it ourselves so we could create — preemptively develop new vaccines, right? So, we have to do that. If we’re gonna do that though, there’s a risk of like, as you could imagine — no one wants to be having a pharma company mutating f**king viruses.”
Gain-of-function research is used to amplify certain characteristics of viruses and has been heavily criticized in the past. This has led to questions about the potential role of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the pandemic, and Senator Marco Rubio has now stepped up to demand an explanation from Pfizer.
In a statement, Rubio called the alleged practices “careless and dangerous” and sent a letter to the company’s President and CEO Albert Bourla. In the letter, Rubio asked for more information about the company’s plans, if any, to mutate the SARS-CoV-2 virus and carry out gain-of-function and directed evolution research. He also requested information about the safety measures Pfizer currently has in place.
It’s no wonder that Rubio is demanding answers from Pfizer, especially in light of the evidence that suggests that COVID may have leaked from the Wuhan lab and been amplified because of similar research at that facility.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for Big Pharma to play fast and loose with the rules when it comes to research and development. This incident serves as yet another reminder of the need for greater oversight and accountability in the industry.
It’s time for Big Pharma to take responsibility for their actions, and we can only hope that Pfizer will provide a transparent explanation of their research practices. Until then, Senator Rubio’s demand for answers should be taken seriously.