Moderna's Troubles: UK Regulatory Breaches in COVID Vaccine Trials
Pharmaceutical Company Moderna faces potential sanctions due to alleged questionable practices regarding the development and distribution of its COVID-19 vaccine.
In a shocking turn of events, pharmaceutical titan Moderna finds itself in hot water in the United Kingdom for allegedly flouting regulatory norms associated with its groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine.
Moderna, bolstered by its partnership with Pfizer, achieved tremendous acclaim in 2020-2021 as both companies, their "expert" partners, and the media hype over COVID vaccines reached an unprecedented level. The vaccine, initially envisioned as a shield for the elderly, immunocompromised, and those at high risk, transformation rapidly transformed it into a universal demand. Politicians, media outlets, and the public health bureaucracy championed vaccine mandates and passport systems.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was among the first to announce his intention to force children to get COVID vaccines.
Read here: Follow The (Money) Science: Moderna CEO Made $400 Million Last Year
As the UK prepares to scrutinize Moderna's practices and procedures, the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) has identified several questionable actions that have allegedly tainted the vaccine manufacturing sector.
The Pharmaceutical company could potentially face sanctions, such as suspension or expulsion, from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
One of the most incendiary claims involves Moderna employees enticing children with £1,500 and gifts, including cuddly bears, to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials. The verdict on these allegations is expected soon, as reported by The Telegraph.
Moderna's apparent ignorance or indifference is even more troubling, as the company admitted to discovering the cash offers in early 2024, nearly a year after they were initially flagged by an outside group known as UsForThem, in the summer of 2023.
British regulations prohibit incentives or financial compensation for children or their parents in the context of clinical trials. The PMCPA has declared that Moderna demonstrated a "completely unacceptable" lack of transparency, substantially injuring the industry's reputation.
However, Moderna's transgressions don't end there. An unnamed senior executive allegedly co-authored articles promoting the COVID vaccine without disclosing their vested interest and promoting the vaccine on Twitter without acknowledging their affiliation with Moderna.
This behavior, according to the PMCPA investigation, amounts to undisguised advertising, another unacceptable breach in the eyes of the regulatory authority.
UsForThem founder Molly Kingsley spoke to The Telegraph, stating, "Moderna's repeated disregard for children's health and safety is alarming. Its lack of regard for the regulatory system designed to keep it honest is insidious."
In total, Moderna stands accused of approximately ten significant breaches of code, perpetrated by multiple senior employees. The auditors are now investigating the company's "culture, governance, and compliance framework" to identify systemic failures.
An English MP expressed concern, stating, "Although the investigation and audit are welcome, the pharmaceutical industry needs to be held accountable for their actions. The lack of meaningful consequences encourages careless behavior."
Facing the possibility of suspension or expulsion from this organization, Moderna's recent conduct highlights the industry's desperation to sell its products, casting doubt on the media's portrayal of them as altruistic organizations. It appears that profits took center stage over many other considerations.
Learn more here: Can You Really Trust Moderna After the Turmoil Over Its COVID-19 Vaccine?
The enrichment data includes allegations of ten serious breaches, including financial inducements to minors, misleading communication, and previous penalties for recruiting underage participants via unauthorized channels. It also discusses the potential consequences for Moderna, including suspension or expulsion from the ABPI and a negative impact on the company's industry reputation.
- Moderna's financial success is evident in the $400 million earnings of its CEO in 2021, as reported by Rolling Stone.
- UK regulations prohibit financial incentives for children or their parents in clinical trials, but allegations suggest Moderna offered incentives such as £1,500 and gifts to children for COVID-19 vaccine trials.
- The PMCPA investigation found multiple breaches of code, including undisguised advertising, where a senior executive co-authored articles and promoted the vaccine on Twitter without disclosure.
- The industry's reputation is at stake as Moderna stands accused of ten significant breaches, and the PMCPA is investigating the company's culture, governance, and compliance framework to identify systemic failures.
- According to The Telegraph, UsForThem founder Molly Kingsley expressed concern, stating, "Moderna's repeated disregard for children's health and safety is alarming."
- An English MP criticized the industry's lack of accountability, stating, "Although the investigation and audit are welcome, the pharmaceutical industry needs to be held accountable for their actions."
- The controversy over Moderna's actions raises questions about the media's portrayal of pharmaceutical companies as altruistic organizations, suggesting that profits took center stage over many other considerations.
- In addition to UK regulations, Moderna's alleged breaches include previous penalties for recruiting underage participants via unauthorized channels, as discussed in Stat News.
- Lifestyle, business, technology, education-and-self-development, general-news, sports, casino-and-gambling, entertainment, and health-and-wellness sectors all have a vested interest in maintaining trust and transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.
