Is 45 Trying (By GOP Congressional Committee) To "Punish" Merck Chairman Frazier, For Last Month?

While I support the notion of our government being able to clearly understand threat-events -- especially ones that might impact the supply of life-saving vaccines, this smells of crassly-political payback, to me. Recall that Merck was a collateral damage victim of the "Not Petya" malware, earlier this year -- in June.

Recall that Merck's Chairman was the first to specifically cite Charlottesville, in his break from 45's council -- denouncing 45's Charlottesville remarks. Recall also that Mr. Frazier's resignation "broke the dam" -- and effectively led to the end of 45's council.

Now, about six weeks later, a GOP controlled Congressional Committee is sending nasty-grams to Kenilworth. Here's a bit -- but do go read it all:

. . . .In a statement to Endpoints News, Merck says supply issues with Recombivax HB are not related to the cyberattack and adds:

Merck is experiencing manufacturing constraints in 2017 related to the growing global demand for our vaccines and unexpected demand due to lack of competitive supply. Supply interruptions for the adult formulation of RECOMBIVAXHB began in the first quarter of 2017. Merck does not expect to be distributing RECOMBIVAXHB in the United States between now and the end of 2018. Additionally, Merck expects its pediatric formulation of RECOMBIVAXHB will be unavailable in the United States between early August 2017 until early 2018. The dialysis formulation of RECOMBIVAXHB in the United States is not affected.

Lawmakers’ letter to Merck CEO Ken Frazier asks for a formal presentation detailing the cyberattack’s impact by October 4. The company says they’re in touch with the committee. . . .

Now you know -- but as the graphic indicates, most manufacturers are experiencing stock-outs now, in certain vaccine stocks. Yet 45 apparently directed the GOP led Committee to single out Mr. Frazier's company for very public scrutiny.

Clearly Mr. Frazier could agree to answer only in confidence, citing trade secrets, and competitive advantage concerns -- but I am certain he will completely cooperate. Q.: Where is the similar letter to GSK, regarding vaccines? Crickets. So this is not about vaccines, at all. It is about. . . political payback.

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