Science Under Siege: The Fight for Facts in Medicine

The world of science is facing a tough challenge. Noubar Afeyan, a key figure in the biotech industry, warns that the attacks on science won't stop at mRNA vaccines. He believes this trend will spread to all areas of medicine. Afeyan, who co-founded Moderna, has seen firsthand how political decisions can disrupt scientific progress. Last year, the Trump administration canceled a major contract for a bird flu vaccine. They also replaced experts on a federal vaccine advisory board with people who doubt vaccines. This move has raised concerns about the future of medical research. Afeyan worries that if people start questioning proven treatments like chemotherapy, it will be hard to develop new drugs for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Meanwhile, Arie Belldegrun, another prominent figure in biotech, shares Afeyan's concerns. He criticized a recent FDA decision as political rather than science-based. However, Belldegrun also sees some positive changes. He mentioned potential reforms that could speed up drug development and reduce paperwork. Afeyan, however, remains skeptical. He thinks companies without a vaccine business might be relieved by these changes, but he doubts this will last. He compares the situation to holding onto a tree in a storm, suggesting that these changes might not provide real safety. The debate highlights the tension between political influence and scientific progress. As the world faces new health challenges, the need for evidence-based medicine has never been more critical.