The intricate web of financial ties surrounding the COVID-19 crisis has recently come to light, raising eyebrows and questions about the roles of 'covid experts' Dr. Anthony Fauci and former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins. Startling revelations from recently released documents have unveiled a trail of financial gains, as the National Institute of Health (NIH) reportedly received a staggering sum of approximately $325 million in royalty payments from pharmaceutical companies and research organizations over a span of 12 years. This unprecedented disclosure, obtained by the nonprofit government transparency organization Open The Books through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), sheds light on the complex interplay between public health, pharmaceutical interests, and personal gains.
Unlocking the Financial Web: The COVID Crisis, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Dr. Francis Collins Royalty Connections https://t.co/UYov1KtaDS
— Chris Wick News (@ChrisWickNews) August 15, 2023
NIH's Financial Windfall: Unveiling Royalty Payments
Diving into the heart of the matter, the newly unearthed documents reveal a remarkable financial narrative. Open The Books' relentless pursuit over nearly two years culminated in the disclosure of more than 56,000 royalty payments to NIH members under the FOIA, spanning the years from 2009 to 2021. The NIH's resistance to document disclosure requests was met with a breakthrough, leading to these documents surfacing in a federal court case in Washington D.C.
Intriguingly, Open The Books had previously estimated that the NIH's royalty payments amounted to as much as $350 million between 2009 and 2020. However, the organization revised this figure downward as the NIH shared additional details regarding its royalty transactions, emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of this financial landscape.
Key Figures: Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Francis Collins
Delving deeper, the spotlight falls on notable figures at the heart of these royalty transactions: Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Francis Collins. Both esteemed individuals were recipients of royalty payments between 2009 and 2020, showcasing their unexpected involvement in this intricate financial ecosystem. Dr. Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), an NIH component, received 37 royalty payment entries from companies including Ancell Corporation, Chiron Corporation, and Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc. Dr. Collins, then the NIH Director, garnered 21 entries from entities like GeneDx, Inc., IONIS, and ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., among others.
Ethical Dimensions and Charitable Endeavors
Amidst these revelations, questions arise about the ethical implications of such financial associations. Dr. Fauci's claim that he donates all royalties to charity adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The NIH's guidelines stipulate varying percentages of royalties for inventors, ranging from a capped amount for initial collections to higher percentages for substantial sums. Notably, the records point to a maximum annual royalty cap to prevent excessive financial gains.
Global Implications: International Licensing and Collaborations
Beyond the confines of the United States, the financial ties extend globally, with at least 34 Chinese companies licensing NIH technologies initially funded by U.S. taxpayers. Strikingly, licensing fees from the Chinese government-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm, including its subsidiary, the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co. Ltd., are among the recipients of these royalties. The intricate dance of international licensing brings into focus the intricate web connecting the pandemic's origins, pharmaceutical interests, and international collaborations.
A Darker Undertone: Controversial Connections and Oversight
The tale takes a darker turn as the spotlight shifts to institutions and companies with controversial backgrounds. The proximity of the Wuhan Institute of Virology to the biological products company Sinopharm raises questions about the potential links between "gain-of-function" research and the pandemic's emergence. In the realm of pharmaceuticals, companies like Purdue Pharmaceuticals, with a history of deceptive marketing tactics surrounding opioids, have also been entwined in the royalty network.
Political Maneuvering and Calls for Transparency
As the intricate financial tapestry unravels, political overtones emerge. Senator Rand Paul's call for increased transparency through mandated royalty disclosures for federal employees highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain objectivity and assess conflicts of interest. Despite these efforts, the political landscape remains contentious, as exemplified by Senator Paul's recent referral of Dr. Fauci to the Department of Justice for alleged misinformation.
In the end, the story of Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Francis Collins, and the NIH's royalty payments transcends the realms of science and health. It exposes the intricate connections between public service, personal gains, international collaborations, and political maneuvering, ultimately underscoring the complexity of the world in which we navigate.
We need your help to continue to post news that matters...You can support our efforts by buying us a coffee... It’s quick, secure, and easy. https://gogetfunding.com/realnewscast/