Moderna Faces Possible UK Suspension for Allegedly Offering Cash and Toys to Children - Reports
A British watchdog has flagged concerns regarding the recruitment practices of biotech firm Moderna, particularly in relation to children involved in coronavirus booster studies. According to a report from The Telegraph, the US-based pharmaceutical...
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A British watchdog has flagged concerns regarding the recruitment practices of biotech firm Moderna, particularly in relation to children involved in coronavirus booster studies.
According to a report from The Telegraph, the US-based pharmaceutical giant Moderna faces potential suspension or expulsion from a UK trade body due to violations of industry standards. These violations include offering cash and teddy bears to encourage children to participate in Covid vaccine trials.
Having joined the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry in 2023, Moderna is now subject to an audit that could lead to serious consequences. The Telegraph indicates that a ruling on this matter is expected to be released in the coming days. If found guilty, Moderna would become the tenth company to face suspension from the ABPI in the last four decades.
The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority, the UK’s drug watchdog, described Moderna’s lack of transparency as "unacceptable" and detrimental to the reputation of the pharmaceutical sector.
In October 2024, Moderna received a fine of £14,000 after a WhatsApp message revealed that £1,500 was offered to minors for participation in the NextCOVE Covid booster trial. Although the company later adjusted the payment to £185, at least one site continued to promote the original offer. The PMCPA ruled that the payment was “much higher than would be considered a reasonable reimbursement” and deemed it discrediting to the pharmaceutical industry.
In another incident, Moderna was fined nearly £44,000 after the UK's pharmaceutical watchdog determined that it had harmed the industry's reputation. In 2023, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust published advertisements targeting children aged 12 and older, offering “a lovely certificate and a ‘be part of the research’ teddy bear.” Additionally, two online articles promoted recruitment efforts.
A senior employee at Moderna co-authored promotional articles, including one with former vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, without disclosing his affiliation, as reported by The Telegraph. This employee also sent out promotional tweets without revealing his position.
The PMCPA accused Moderna of “misleading regulators” regarding its awareness of the breaches. While the company claimed it took swift action upon being notified in January 2024, evidence indicated that executives were made aware of the issues by UsForThem as early as August 2023.
Molly Kingsley, founder of UsForThem, commented on the findings, stating that they “showed how readily [Moderna] put profit ahead of the health and safety of children” and “laid bare just how little regard it has had for the regulatory system that was supposed to keep it honest.”
Health authorities warn that COVID-19 vaccines, including Moderna’s Spikevax, may cause side effects in minors, such as injection site pain, fatigue, headache, fever, and, in rare instances, myocarditis or pericarditis.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
According to a report from The Telegraph, the US-based pharmaceutical giant Moderna faces potential suspension or expulsion from a UK trade body due to violations of industry standards. These violations include offering cash and teddy bears to encourage children to participate in Covid vaccine trials.
Having joined the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry in 2023, Moderna is now subject to an audit that could lead to serious consequences. The Telegraph indicates that a ruling on this matter is expected to be released in the coming days. If found guilty, Moderna would become the tenth company to face suspension from the ABPI in the last four decades.
The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority, the UK’s drug watchdog, described Moderna’s lack of transparency as "unacceptable" and detrimental to the reputation of the pharmaceutical sector.
In October 2024, Moderna received a fine of £14,000 after a WhatsApp message revealed that £1,500 was offered to minors for participation in the NextCOVE Covid booster trial. Although the company later adjusted the payment to £185, at least one site continued to promote the original offer. The PMCPA ruled that the payment was “much higher than would be considered a reasonable reimbursement” and deemed it discrediting to the pharmaceutical industry.
In another incident, Moderna was fined nearly £44,000 after the UK's pharmaceutical watchdog determined that it had harmed the industry's reputation. In 2023, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust published advertisements targeting children aged 12 and older, offering “a lovely certificate and a ‘be part of the research’ teddy bear.” Additionally, two online articles promoted recruitment efforts.
A senior employee at Moderna co-authored promotional articles, including one with former vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, without disclosing his affiliation, as reported by The Telegraph. This employee also sent out promotional tweets without revealing his position.
The PMCPA accused Moderna of “misleading regulators” regarding its awareness of the breaches. While the company claimed it took swift action upon being notified in January 2024, evidence indicated that executives were made aware of the issues by UsForThem as early as August 2023.
Molly Kingsley, founder of UsForThem, commented on the findings, stating that they “showed how readily [Moderna] put profit ahead of the health and safety of children” and “laid bare just how little regard it has had for the regulatory system that was supposed to keep it honest.”
Health authorities warn that COVID-19 vaccines, including Moderna’s Spikevax, may cause side effects in minors, such as injection site pain, fatigue, headache, fever, and, in rare instances, myocarditis or pericarditis.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
