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Mike Pence broke his post-election silence to proclaim the Trump administration’s support for a new coronavirus vaccine – only for the company to immediately stress that its vaccine had nothing to do with the government.
Pfizer announced Monday morning that its Covid-19 vaccine was 90% effective in the first tests.
“HUGE NEWS: Thanks to the public-private partnership forged by President @realDonaldTrump, @pfizer has announced that its coronavirus vaccine trial is EFFECTIVE, preventing infection in 90% of its volunteers,” Pence tweeted.
Nikki Haley, Mr. Trump’s former ambassador to the UN, also claimed that Pfizer’s job was up to Mr. Trump, saying, “Thank you very much.”
Apparently unaware that Pfizer had publicly rejected federal funds, she said, “This will be one of the most important actions taken by the administration in response to this pandemic.”
But the New York-based company was quick with a clarification.
Dr Kathrin Jansen, head of vaccine development at Pfizer, told the New York Times: “We were never in Warp Speed … We never took money from the US government or anyone.”
Operation Warp Speed is a $ 12 billion (£ 9.1 billion) government program, launched in May, to provide a vaccine to 300 million Americans.
Pfizer, which developed the vaccine with German drug maker BioNTech, did not provide full details of its clinical trial, but experts hailed it as a significant breakthrough.
Equally significant is the fact that the US-based company – unlike other vaccine pioneers – refused to take government money for research and development, in an effort to preserve its independence.
Ms Jansen said she learned of the results from the external panel shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday and the timing was not swayed by the election.
“We have always said that science guides our conduct – not politics,” she said.
Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, wrote an open letter to his American colleagues on October 1, lamenting the fact that a vaccine was “discussed in political rather than scientific terms”, and saying he was “disappointed” through the militarization of public health.
“The amplified political rhetoric around vaccine development, timing and political credit undermines public confidence,” he warned.
“We would never succumb to political pressure. The only pressure we feel – and it weighs heavily – are the billions of people, millions of businesses and hundreds of public servants who depend on us.
“We have engaged with many elected leaders around the world during this health crisis, but Pfizer has not made any financial investment from any government. Our independence is a valuable asset.
In September, he made the same argument, saying, “I wanted to free our scientists from all bureaucracy. When you receive money from someone, it always comes with conditions. “
A fierce debate has erupted online over the accuracy of Mr Pence and Ms Haley’s statements.
Some have pointed out that Pfizer was indeed backed by the U.S. government, as the company struck a $ 1.95 billion deal in July to purchase the vaccine, once it was ready.
James Surowiecki, author and business journalist, said, “The United States has pledged $ 1.95 billion for 100 million doses of Pfizer vaccine once it has been approved, regardless of whether other vaccines are available / better. This gave Pfizer the certainty of investing in its development. It is, in fact, a partnership.
Others said Mr Surowiecki was splitting his hair and Pfizer was right to point out that they did not receive government funding because they were exposed to all the costs and risks of vaccine development. Additionally, they argued, Pfizer would have worked to develop the vaccine without the US pre-order.
Joe Biden’s team praised the “great news” but reminded people that it is still early days and that taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus – like wearing a face mask – is still there. most important thing to remember.
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