Washington, DC – Today, Patients Over Pharma reacted to comments from the CEO of Sanofi assuring Americans that they will get “first dibs” on its COVID-19 vaccine that is being developed using $30 million from the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

“It’s great that the CEO of Sanofi acknowledges American taxpayers’ role in developing their COVID-19 vaccine, but we shouldn’t leave it to them or any other drug company to decide who can access taxpayer-funded vaccines and treatments or how high they can jack up the prices to maximize their profits,” said Eli Zupnick, spokesman for Patients Over Pharma.“We’ve already seen companies like Gilead engage in price-gouging and profiteering on drugs they developed with significant federal support. That is why Congress must move quickly to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines and treatments developed with taxpayer support are affordable and accessible to every American.”

Trump Administration Had At Least Three Officials With Previous Business Relationship With Sanofi

HHS General Counsel Robert Charrow Previously Provided Legal Representation To Sanofi At Greenberg Traurig. According to his financial disclosure, before joining the administration, Sanofi was one of Charrow’s clients at Greenberg Traurig. [Robert Charrow financial disclosure, filed 4/6/17]

USPTO General Counsel Nicholas Matich Previously Provided Legal Representation To Sanofi. According to his financial disclosure, before joining the administration, Sanofi was one of Matich’s legal clients at Williams & Connolly LLP and Bancroft PLLC. [Nicholas Matich financial disclosure, filed 1/20/17]

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Rybicki Previously Provided Legal Representation To Sanofi. According to his financial disclosure, before joining the administration, Sanofi was one of Rybicki’s clients at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. As of April 2020, Rybicki joined K&L Gates as a partner. [David Rybicki financial disclosure, filed 2/6/17; Law.com, 4/6/20]

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