Did Big Pharma ‘Bankroll’ Biden’s NIH Director Nominee?
In a troubling revelation that further exposes the undue influence of Big Pharma in politics, a recent report from a prominent watchdog group has highlighted the close ties between President Biden’s nominee for National Institutes of Health (NIH) director and pharmaceutical giants. The findings underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment of key positions, especially in the field of healthcare. This article delves into the concerning allegations and emphasizes the urgent need for impartial leadership at the NIH.
The American Accountability Foundation, a conservative opposition research group founded in 2020, published a new report observed by The New York Post that said NIH Biden-nominee Dr. Monica Bertagnolli has “problematic close ties with big pharma” with the nation’s primary agency responsible for biomedical and public health research.
“Big Pharma bankrolled her career, and she has long been a friend and ally to them,” the group told The Post in a statement. “Especially after the corruption and lies that came from the government’s medical agencies during COVID, the American people need to know that NIH will be led by honest people who serve them, and are not owned by massive corporations.”
“Our government’s medical institutions must serve the interests of the American people, not Big Pharma,” the group said. “However, Dr. Bertagnolli’s extensive financial ties to pharmaceutical companies raise serious questions about her ability to lead NIH in a manner that is not beholden to special or secret interests.”
Bertagnolli, 64, received more than $350 million in research-related funds from pharmaceutical giants, including at least $56 million from Pfizer, Seagan Inc., and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in 2022, according to data.
During former President Donald Trump’s administration, Bertagnolli vocalized her opposition to the president’s “Most Favored Nation” proposal, which aimed to slash prices of prescription drugs like Insulin by roughly 50%.
If confirmed by the Senate, Bertagnolli would become the institute’s first surgeon to serve as director.
