4 chapters across the catalog
The financial collapse of 23andMe is analyzed, with its stock losing 99.9% of its value and its board of directors resigning. Concerns are raised about the fate of the genetic data of 14 million customers, which is not protected by HIPAA. The data is currently being shared with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for pharmaceutical research, leading to fears that "anonymous" genetic information could eventually be weaponized or sold.
Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline are seeking regulatory approval for a new COVID-19 vaccine that showed 58% efficacy in trials. Meanwhile, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is signaling a shift toward "measured" guidance, allowing for breaks from mask-wearing as metrics improve.
Chinese authorities are investigating GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for running an extensive bribery network involving 700 middlemen and travel agencies to funnel money to doctors. GSK executives allegedly confessed that the cost of these bribes was passed on to patients through higher drug prices. The hosts note that GSK has a history of healthcare fraud in the U.S., Italy, and New Zealand, and suggest the slick media coverage in China may be influenced by competing pharmaceutical interests.
Kathleen Sebelius and the Vaccine Manufacturing Shift
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius's call for a new vaccine manufacturing process is framed by the hosts as a setup for a research and development "scam." They note that venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins have already invested heavily in non-egg-based vaccine technologies. A brief mention is made of subliminal "pig" messaging in the TV show Fast Forward.
