Recent revelations from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have shed light on a lucrative relationship between the agency and drug makers, with NIH scientists raking in a staggering $710 million in royalties during the pandemic period from late 2021 through 2023. These royalties are payments made by private companies, particularly pharmaceuticals, to license medical innovations from government scientists.
The bulk of these royalties, amounting to $690 million, flowed into the coffers of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, along with 260 of its scientists. The NIH has been tight-lipped about this substantial private royalty complex, prompting transparency advocates to take legal action to uncover the details.
OpenTheBooks.com, in collaboration with Judicial Watch, had to resort to lawsuits to reveal the royalties paid to NIH from September 2009 to October 2021, totaling $325 million over 56,000 transactions. The recent data release indicates a significant surge in payments during the pandemic years, surpassing the combined cash flow of the previous 12 years.
However, it remains unclear whether the royalties from COVID vaccines, including those from Pfizer and Moderna, are encompassed in these figures. Moderna did settle with NIH by agreeing to pay $400 million, but NIH has not provided clarity on this matter.
Dr. Fauci, a prominent figure in the COVID response, is slated to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, facing mounting questions regarding potential conflicts of interest and revelations of strategies to circumvent transparency laws. Dr. David Morens, a key deputy of Fauci, has been implicated in actions aimed at evading scrutiny, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency within NIH.
As the public awaits Fauci’s testimony, the spotlight remains on the intricate ties between government agencies and private entities, raising concerns about the influence of financial interests on public health decisions.
