AddThis Feed Button "Frequently Copied, Never Duplicated"

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Corruption at its very best

If you, like so many, beliveve that there is no conflict of interest in what the FDA does in its incestuous involvement with Big PhRMA, then all you have to do is realize the height of corruption as Julie Gerberding comes to Merck, heading up its vaccine division.

This is a very clear example of the government-corporate revolving door policy.

When we have ethics in government, this sort of thing doesn't happen for at least three years follwoing government employment.

And we all know how influential Merck has been at CDC and FDA, especially over the recent boost to its bottom line from swie flu vaccine sales, at a time when Gerberding was still with CDC.  
Dr. Julie Gerberding Named President of Merck Vaccines

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - (Business Wire) Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) today announced that Dr. Julie Gerberding has been named president of Merck Vaccines, effective January 25, 2010.

Dr. Gerberding led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as director from 2002 to 2009. During her tenure at CDC, Dr. Gerberding led the agency during more than 40 emergency response initiatives for health crises including anthrax bioterrorism, food-borne disease outbreaks, and natural disasters, and advised governments around the world on urgent public health issues such as SARS, AIDS, and obesity.

“Vaccines are a cornerstone of Merck's commitment to health and wellness," said Richard T. Clark, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck & Co., Inc. "We are delighted to welcome an expert of Dr. Gerberding's caliber to Merck. As a preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines, Dr. Gerberding is the ideal choice to lead Merck's engagement with organizations around the world that share our commitment to the use of vaccines to prevent disease and save lives."

"I’ve had the privilege in my previous work in academia and in the federal government to be a passionate advocate for public health priorities such as vaccines, which are an imperative component of global health development," said Dr. Gerberding. "I am very excited to be joining Merck where I can help to expand access to vaccines around the world."

Read complete story: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/printpressstory.php?news=1098689

No comments: