Pouch "Opposes Emergency Approval of COVID-19 Vaccines Without Safety Verification"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that COVID-19 vaccines should not receive emergency approval without safety verification. This was a stance opposing reports that U.S. President Donald Trump could grant emergency approval for a COVID-19 vaccine as early as September.

Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 24th (local time), Fauci said in a phone interview with major foreign media, "I do not want to see a COVID-19 vaccine receive emergency use authorization before its efficacy is confirmed."

Earlier, U.S. media outlets such as The New York Times (NYT) reported that President Trump would grant emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine. Although the U.S. government's official policy has not been finalized, Fauci, who effectively leads infectious disease policy in the U.S., expressed opposition to such emergency use plans.

However, Fauci declined to comment on President Trump specifically.

Fauci's opposition stems not only from safety concerns but also from the view that hastily approving emergency use of a vaccine could disrupt the development of other vaccines. He expressed concern, saying, "If a COVID-19 vaccine is rushed to market, it could make clinical trials for other candidate vaccines more difficult." Currently, COVID-19 vaccine development is actively underway worldwide, including in the U.S.

Previously, President Trump granted emergency use authorization for plasma treatments despite related clinical trials not being completed. This has raised concerns that President Trump might exercise emergency use authorization for political purposes, such as the November election this year.

Experts also worry that the White House might pressure the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) using emergency authorization powers even though vaccine-related clinical trials have not been sufficiently conducted.

Fauci explained, "FDA regulations related to vaccines explicitly require proof of both safety and efficacy, whether for official approval or emergency authorization." He added, "I hope that nothing interferes with the process of confirming vaccine safety and efficacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.