NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 25: Then-Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Health Department Dr. Jay Varma speaks at a press conference in front of 546 West 147th Street on October 25, 2014 in New York City.
The announcement follows the release of undercover video which showed Former New York City Mayor’s Office Senior Advisor for Public Health Jay Varma admitting to pushing Siga’s monkeypox drug TPOXX despite the low risk of the disease to the general public. The doctor was responsible for helping to guide former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s response to COVID-19, including crucial decisions about public schools and issuing a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.
We also need to keep up the people’s belief that the drug works,” Varma said. “So, that’s why spinning it in the media is helpful.” Siga’s stock dropped by over 15% Wednesday following the release of Varma’s Monkeypox vaccine comments, according to the firm. The law firm noted its expertise in litigating shareholder cases “has been repeatedly lauded by the courts” as it vowed to hold the company accountable.We are deeply angered by his comments and behavior, which do not reflect SIGA, the way we do business or our values,” it wrote.