A federal ethics disclosure made public on January 22, 2025, revealed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would retain legal fees earned from litigation against drugmaker Merck if confirmed as President Donald Trump's Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This situation raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and could intensify scrutiny on Merck's vaccine products, particularly Gardasil. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal critic of vaccines, and his role in litigation against Merck is well-documented.
The retention of legal fees by a high-ranking health official from ongoing litigation against a major pharmaceutical company creates an unusual dynamic. This development could contribute to a challenging regulatory and public perception environment for Merck's vaccine portfolio.
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