Breitbart News exclusively learned that Pfizer denies conducting gain-of function research on the coronavirus virus virus in a letter to Rep. Ronny Johnson (R-TX).
Jackson, a physician, was a member the Subcommittee on Coronavirus Pandemic. In January, Hannah Bleau of Breitbart News obtained a letter asking for answers on whether Pfizer had engaged in gain-of function research by deliberately mutating the Chinese coronavirus.
Jackson received a response from Pfizer on February 23rd with a letter from their vice president and COO of vaccine research. This letter was obtained by Breitbart news.
Pfizer strongly denied in the letter that it would engage gain-of function research.
Pfizer stated that they do not conduct research to create or modify viruses and have never done so.
The pharmaceutical stated that Pfizer had not done gain-of function research with SARS-2 in the ongoing development of its Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination.
Pfizer explained that Pfizer analyzes changes in the spike protein of coronavirus variants to determine if it is necessary to update its vaccine.
He explained:
This is done by adapting the virus to a secure laboratory so that the spike protein matches those of the new circulating variants. This mimics viruses already in circulation. This work is considered scientific best practice. It is often done by public health authorities, other institutions, and companies. This is needed for both assessing the efficacy of current vaccines and for developing new vaccine candidates that target circulating variants.
A representative said that Paxlovid also tests variants to determine if they are effective in treating coronavirus oral disease.
We then either isolate new viruses or adapt them with specific changes to the main protease and test whether Paxlovid still works as it was in previous studies. This work is performed in highly secure laboratories. We have not tested these COVID-19 modified viruses in animals.
Jackson was prompted to inquire by Jackson because of a Project Veritas Video in which Jordon Tishton Walker, Pfizer Director Research and Development, Strategic Operations, claimed that the company was engaged in “directed evolution.”
Jackson wrote to Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, that if true, it would be unthinkable for Pfizer to prioritize profits over safety. He suggested that Pfizer might conduct gain-of function research and put the lives at risk by proposing to help people Jackson wrote.
Jackson has yet to comment on Breitbart News’s story as of press time.
In his letter to Jackson, the Pfizer executive stated that “Pfizer is committed to conducting research ethically and responsibly.” We are committed to ensuring that safety, quality and compliance remain at the forefront in all that we do.
