Hahn denied the report, calling it "untrue" in a statement to Business Insider.
"This is an untrue representation of the phone call with the Chief of Staff," he said. "The FDA was encouraged to continue working expeditiously on Pfizer-BioNTech's EUA request. FDA is committed to issuing this authorization quickly, as we noted in our statement this morning."Pfizer submitted its two-dose shot for FDA emergency approval on November 20.
Dr. Peter Marks, the director of the FDA's biologics review center, which is overseeing the COVID-19 vaccine application,The deliberation process, which included a public meeting of independent experts on Thursday, was tailored to bolster the public's confidence in the end result. Polling has shown a significant chunk of Americans — perhaps as much as 40% or 50% of the country — have reservations about getting a coronavirus vaccine.
"Everything that we are trying to do here, this is all about ensuring the public re-develops the kind of trust they once had in vaccines," Marks said. The FDA's expert panel voted 17-4 on Thursday in favor of issuing an emergency authorization. That was seen as the final barrier before the agency could issue the official OK, which was expected to come either Friday night or Saturday.LoadingDo you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is handling the pandemic? Please emailfrom Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is affecting industries.
If there is a hint that this kind of pressure has been applied every Agency Head should tender their resignation unless the 25th Amendment is invoked.
Hahn was on the news shows this morning. Instead, how about getting in a little early today, Doc and taking care of business!
All on him now.
It’s ridiculous that they waited two weeks to meet after emergency application! What is the hold up?
No political influence in this administration! Always science first!