Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Drew Weissman, whose groundbreaking research paved the way for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, has issued a stark warning about global unpreparedness for future pandemics.
The University of Pennsylvania researcher, who shared the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Katalin Karikó for their mRNA discoveries, spoke exclusively to The Independent about ongoing vulnerabilities in pandemic response systems.
The Warning From a Vaccine Pioneer
"We got lucky with COVID," Dr Weissman stated bluntly. "The virus had a relatively low mortality rate compared to what it could have been. If we faced something like a 20% mortality rate influenza, our current systems would collapse."
His comments come as global health organizations report declining investment in pandemic preparedness, despite clear lessons from the COVID-19 crisis.
mRNA Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
While celebrating the success of mRNA vaccines that have saved millions of lives, Weissman cautioned that the same rapid vaccine development capability could be misused. "The technology exists now to create dangerous pathogens just as quickly as we can create defenses against them," he warned.
The scientist emphasized three critical areas needing immediate attention:
- Global surveillance networks for early pathogen detection
- Equitable vaccine distribution systems
- Regulation of dual-use biotechnology
A Call to Action
Weissman urged governments to maintain research funding at pandemic-era levels, rather than repeating the cycle of panic-and-neglect that has characterized previous responses to health crises.
"The next pandemic isn't a matter of if, but when," he concluded. "Our choices now will determine whether we're ready when it comes."
