Operation Warp Speed: A Dangerous Precedent?

Government Intervention in Healthcare

Many argue that the federal government should not have funded Operation Warp Speed, the 2020 initiative led by the Trump administration to expedite the production of a coronavirus vaccine. This is not a question of medical expertise, but rather a critique of government intervention. The concern lies in the precedent this sets - a government, for health or political reasons, rushing to produce a vaccine. This level of intervention, applauded by both parties, implies that future health crises will be met with a federal response backed by taxpayer dollars. This institutionalizes central planning as the primary response to health threats.

Central Planning in Times of Crisis

Central planning has a history of failure during peaceful times. Yet, we are supposed to believe it works during times of crisis? The belief that informed Operation Warp Speed is that the federal government should always plan the drugs and vaccines of the future. If government funding is so effective during a crisis, why not keep the government involved during peaceful times? The answer is clear to most.

Pharmaceutical Companies and Taxpayer Funds

Pharmaceutical companies like Moderna and Pfizer are too important to be influenced by taxpayer funds. However, this is exactly what happened in 2020. Moderna, for instance, received billions for the creation and production of the Covid vaccine. This massive influx of funds from the American taxpayer could potentially distort Moderna's future actions and those of its competitors. Furthermore, the easy access to the vaccine may have led some people to become complacent about their health, potentially worsening overall health outcomes.

The Case of Moderna and Arbutus

In its efforts to produce a coronavirus vaccine, Moderna licensed technology from a small biotech company, Arbutus. Arbutus created the lipid nanoparticles (LNP) that would house the mRNA that gives the corona vaccines life. However, Moderna allowed its licensing of Arbutus technology to lapse and continued to use the technology. This technology played a crucial role in the creation of the Covid vaccine and Moderna's subsequent profit. Arbutus and its parent company, Genevant, are now suing for infringement.

Government Liability

Interestingly, if the government was going to pressure pharmaceutical firms to expedite a vaccine, indemnity from liability was likely to follow. The Department of Justice agreed last year to take on Moderna’s liability for patent infringement. Given the billions Moderna earned via federal funding, this could easily add up to billions. This means that American taxpayers will be expected to foot the bill for these liabilities.

Final Thoughts

So, what does this mean for the future? Pathogens are now a federal affair, as are public-private responses. Liability? American taxpayers will be expected to foot the bill. This raises important questions about the role of government in healthcare and the potential consequences of such intervention. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. And don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, every day at 6pm.