Biodefense Boost Amid Vaccine Skepticism

Bavarian Nordic anticipates increased biodefense funding under the Trump administration, even with vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Despite concerns about public vaccine acceptance, CEO Paul Chaplin predicts strong government support for biodefense, highlighted by ongoing smallpox vaccine contracts.

Bavarian Nordic, a prominent vaccine manufacturer, anticipates a surge in biodefense funding under the new Trump administration, according to CEO Paul Chaplin. This expectation persists despite the controversial nomination of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary.

The selection of Kennedy, known for spreading misinformation about vaccines, led to a notable drop in European vaccine stocks, reflecting market concerns about public vaccine acceptance. Chaplin noted that vaccine skepticism was a characteristic of Trump's first administration, yet those years were marked by significant advances in public preparedness business.

Bavarian Nordic is crucial to U.S. biodefense strategies, supplying a smallpox vaccine that is also approved for mpox in some regions. However, the company faces market challenges, including a 16% share drop, partly due to Kennedy's nomination impacting investor sentiment.

(With inputs from agencies.)