Core Viewpoint - Shares of Pfizer and Moderna declined following a report linking COVID-19 vaccines to the deaths of 25 children, which is set to be presented to a key vaccine advisory panel [1][2][3] Group 1: Stock Performance - Pfizer's stock fell more than 3% and Moderna's shares dropped over 7% after the report [3] - Novavax, another company involved in COVID-19 vaccine development, saw its stock slide more than 4% [3] Group 2: Regulatory Context - The report is part of a presentation to a vaccine panel that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which plays a crucial role in vaccine access and recommendations [2] - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is moving to change U.S. vaccine policy, including dropping recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women [4] Group 3: Safety Monitoring - Moderna stated that the safety of its vaccine is rigorously monitored by the company, the FDA, and regulators in over 90 countries, with no new safety concerns identified in children or pregnant women [5] - The claim linking vaccines to deaths is based on unverified reports submitted to the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System [6] Group 4: Scientific Perspective - The CDC emphasizes that only thorough investigations by scientists and public health officials can determine if a vaccine caused or contributed to reported side effects [7] - During a recent Senate hearing, Kennedy supported claims that mRNA vaccines pose a dangerous risk [7]

President Trump is taking aim at pharmaceutical companies, demanding that they release data on their co vaccines. The president posted on Truth Social yesterday, questioning whether the shots actually saved millions of lives. In fact, he said the issue is ripping the CDC apart.>> Meanwhile, critics see this all as an effort by President Trump to appeal to his MAGA base. His top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.., has been accused of rejecting the science behind those vaccines, fueling a culture of skep ...

right there with the CDC and the health agencies. You know, President Trump posted on Truth Social over the weekend sort of waffling as to whether or not he thinks CO vaccines were even effective, even though that was just a few days after he said rightly that it was a significant accomplishment. Uh, and as we've said on this show for a long time, truthfully, should be the first exhibit at the eventual Trump Presidential Library. It won't be. Uh, but now he's running away from that now. It's a confident pre ...

Group 1 - President Trump called on pharmaceutical companies to justify the success of their Covid drugs, emphasizing the need for transparency in their results [2][5] - The FDA approved new Covid vaccines, but limited their availability to individuals at higher risk of severe illness [2][4] - The leadership changes at the CDC, including the firing of Director Susan Monarez, reflect ongoing tensions regarding U.S. immunization policies and the management of federal health agencies [3][4] Group 2 - Trump expressed frustration over the lack of public disclosure of extraordinary results from companies like Pfizer, questioning why these results are not shared [4] - The recent upheaval at the CDC includes mass firings and significant changes to vaccine policy, indicating a shift in the federal approach to public health [4]

Regulatory Actions & Approvals - FDA rescinded emergency use authorizations for Covid vaccines, which were previously used to justify broad mandates [1] - FDA issued marketing authorization for Moderna (6+ months), Pfizer (5+), and Novavax (12+) vaccines for those at higher risk [2] - Vaccines remain available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors [2] Policy Changes - The actions fulfill promises to end Covid vaccine mandates [1][3] - The actions fulfill promises to keep vaccines available to people who want them, especially the vulnerable [3] - The actions fulfill promises to demand placebo-controlled trials from companies [3]

Public Safety & Health Concerns - Individual was reportedly angered by Covid vaccines [1] - Individual fired hundreds of rounds at CDC HQ [1]

Core Insights - The Covid-19 pandemic significantly elevated the profiles of Moderna and BioNTech, but the two companies have since diverged in their strategic directions and stock performances [3][5]. Company Strategies - Moderna has focused on expanding its mRNA pipeline, investing in vaccines for flu, RSV, and other viruses, while BioNTech has diversified into cancer technologies and other areas [4][6][13]. - BioNTech's strategy includes acquiring promising cancer technologies, such as a bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEG-F, which could rival existing successful cancer drugs like Merck's Keytruda [14][15]. Financial Performance - Both companies generated approximately $45 billion in sales from Covid vaccines, with each earning around $20 billion since late 2020 [3]. - Moderna currently holds about $8.4 billion in cash, while BioNTech has €15.9 billion (approximately $18.2 billion) [4]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, Moderna's stock has decreased by about 72%, whereas BioNTech's shares have increased by nearly 29% [5]. Future Outlook - Moderna is seeking FDA approval for an mRNA flu shot and is focused on a Phase 3 trial for a personalized cancer treatment for melanoma, with potential data release as early as next year [17][18]. - BioNTech is awaiting results from its own studies and ongoing Phase 3 trials, which could impact its stock performance significantly [16][18].