Pfizer Inc. CEO Albert Bourla has publicly denounced the vaccine views of Robert F. Kennedy, labeling them as “anti-science” and emphasizing the need for new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to advance immunization policy. Bourla made these remarks during a panel discussion at a Wall Street Journal event held on January 18, 2024, as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Bourla indicated that discussions with Kennedy tend to falter when vaccines are introduced into the dialogue, despite finding common ground on other health-related topics such as cancer research and pharmaceutical pricing. He characterized Kennedy’s perspective as ideologically rigid, describing it as more aligned with a belief system than a scientific framework. When pressed about what changes are necessary for productive vaccine discussions, Bourla pointedly stated, “the health secretary,” indicating a significant leadership issue within the U.S. health policy landscape.
Concerns Over U.S. Position in Global Health Research
In addition to his critique of Kennedy, Bourla also addressed the impact of funding cuts imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration, which he believes have diminished U.S. universities’ positions in global health research. He highlighted that prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University once led in health research rankings, but now Chinese universities are claiming around 80% of the top-tier positions.
Bourla noted that China’s pharmaceutical sector is growing rapidly, largely due to reforms in intellectual property protections and improvements in regulatory frameworks. These developments have fostered increased investment and boosted domestic innovation, positioning Chinese drugmakers to transition from a focus on generics to producing original scientific research that may soon rival that of Western counterparts.
He described this shift as a “meteoric rise” in credible innovation and high-quality research coming from Chinese firms, arguing that U.S. strategies aimed at curbing China’s progress have been ineffective. “You can’t stop China. And you shouldn’t,” Bourla told the Wall Street Journal. He urged Western governments to concentrate on enhancing their own competitiveness rather than attempting to impede scientific advancements that could ultimately benefit global health, including critical areas such as cancer research.
As of the latest market data, Pfizer’s stock was trading at $25.60, reflecting a decrease of 1.93%. Bourla’s remarks underscore a broader conversation about the future of health research and the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China, as both countries navigate complex challenges in public health and scientific innovation.
