Appointment of no-vax Kennedy jr. to the US Health Department sinks Pharma stocks on the stock exchanges

All of the pharmaceutical stock exchanges are in the red after the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the future Minister of Health in the United States. Known for his anti-vaccine and anti-Covid restrictions, this is one of the most controversial of the appointments announced by the Tycoon, who said on X: 'For too long, Americans have been crushed by the agribusiness complex and pharmaceutical companies that have engaged in deception, misinformation, and misinformation about public health'.700 billion, with a strong influence on drug regulation and public health in general.

Kennedy's appointment also left a heavy mark on Wall Street, where, at mid-day, Pfizer was losing 4.5 per cent, Eli Lilly 3.7 per cent and Moderna 7.9 per cent.
Effects also in Europe, where the stock exchanges ended trading. In Paris, Sanofi-Aventis closed at -3.2 per cent, Valneva at -6 per cent and Sartorius Stedim at -6.7 per cent. Same picture in London, where Gsk closed the week at -3.8 per cent and Astrazeneca at -3.2 per cent. In Copenhagen, Novo Nordisk lost 5.3 per cent and Zealand Pharma left over 10.1 per cent on the ground. While Bavarian Nordic fell precipitously to close at -17.4 per cent, partly due to a below-expected quarterly report. Danish biotech Bavarian Nordic reported that its order book for delivery of its mpox and smallpox vaccine in 2025 currently stands at around $340 million, including previously announced deferred revenues. But its CEO Paul Chaplin also pointed out that 'A US Secretary of Health who is sceptical about vaccines does not help convince the public to take vaccines: we'll just have to wait and see'. However, with regard to biodefence, preparedness and response to potential pandemics, Chaplin expects the Trump administration to increase funding, as it did during his first term. Sweden Orphan Biovitrum sank in Stockholm (-10.1 per cent). The reaction of Italian companies in the sector was much more restrained, with Recordati down 1.6 per cent while Diasorin, bucking the trend, closed in positive territory at +2 per cent.