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In a significant move, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently restructured a key government vaccine panel, citing the need to address what he described as ongoing conflicts of interest within the committee. However, recent research from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics appears to contest this assertion, revealing that conflicts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel had been at historic lows prior to Kennedy's intervention.
The study, published in the prestigious medical journal JAMA on Monday, indicated that the most concerning type of conflict—financial ties to vaccine manufacturers—had been nearly eliminated among members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Furthermore, the research pointed to low conflict rates on a separate advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), known as the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC).
These advisory panels play crucial roles in shaping U.S. vaccine policy. The FDA committee advises the agency on vaccine approvals, while the CDC panel decides on eligibility and insurance coverage for vaccinations. Typically, these panels consist of leading experts in various fields, including infectious diseases, pediatrics, immunology, and public health.
Kennedy has long asserted that members of these panels maintain close relationships with the pharmaceutical industry. During his initial Senate confirmation hearing in January, he claimed that a staggering 97% of the CDC panel members had conflicts of interest. However, Genevieve Kanter, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at the University of Southern California, expressed skepticism about this figure. "After examining the vaccine data myself, I couldn't see anything at that scale," she stated, highlighting the low rates of reported conflicts.
This research is particularly relevant as Kennedy, known as a prominent vaccine skeptic, undertakes reforms within federal health agencies that could significantly alter immunization policies and potentially undermine vaccine uptake across the United States. The USC study tracked reported financial conflicts of interest among experts on the two vaccine panels from 2000 to 2024.
The mechanism for disclosing conflicts of interest on these panels mandates that members report any ties to vaccine manufacturers or competitors for each product under review. Those with significant conflicts are recused, while others may receive waivers to participate based on their essential expertise. Since 2016, the average conflict of interest rates have been relatively low: 6.2% for ACIP members and 1.9% for VRBPAC members per meeting, with less than 1% of conflicts tied to personal income from vaccine companies.
The study revealed a significant decline in conflict rates over the years, which may be attributed to policy changes implemented in 2007 aimed at reducing conflicts on the FDA panel, as well as heightened scrutiny of conflicts in agency decision-making. Notably, conflict rates among ACIP members dropped to 5% by 2024, while VRBPAC maintained rates below 4% since 2010, including a decade without any reported conflicts.
Throughout the study period, the most frequently reported conflict was related to research support, generally regarded as less concerning than those involving personal income. Kanter noted that this reflects the expertise required for evaluating vaccine safety and efficacy. "We want experts on these committees," she remarked, emphasizing that these conflicts are often related to professional knowledge rather than personal gain.
While the rates of reported conflicts appear higher among ACIP members than their VRBPAC counterparts, Kanter cautioned against direct comparisons due to differing reporting standards and meeting structures. She stated the importance of examining conflicts of interest in various areas of health care regulation, suggesting that there may be more pressing concerns elsewhere.
For further insights, tips, and story ideas, you can reach out to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com.
In other health care news, I'm reporting live from Verona, Wisconsin, where the annual Epic Users Group Meeting (UGM) is taking place. This event attracts thousands of health-care executives to the company's expansive 1,670-acre headquarters, focusing on the latest advancements in health-care technology. Epic is renowned for its electronic health record (EHR) software, which serves as a digital version of a patient's medical history maintained by healthcare professionals.
With a dominant presence in the U.S. health-care market, Epic's technology is utilized in 3,300 hospitals and 73,000 clinics, impacting 325 million patients globally. This year's UGM prominently featured artificial intelligence (AI), similar to last year's event. During a three-hour executive address, Epic executives unveiled updates on approximately 200 new AI features designed for patients, clinicians, and payers.
Epic also announced its development of an AI-powered clinical documentation tool, often referred to as AI scribes. These innovative tools can draft clinical notes in real-time as physicians engage with patients. The AI scribing market is rapidly growing, with many health-care organizations seeking solutions to alleviate staff burnout and reduce administrative burdens. Epic's initiative, developed in partnership with Microsoft, is expected to be available for limited use early next year.
During the address, Epic's President, Sumit Rana, emphasized the importance of keeping pace with the accelerating developments in AI, stating, "You can't wish it away; you've got to keep up with it."
The presentations were held in Epic's impressive 11,400-seat underground auditorium known as Deep Space, which is just one of many uniquely themed facilities on campus. Epic's office buildings draw inspiration from various science fiction narratives, including The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland. In keeping with the theme of this year's UGM, Epic executives dressed in costumes, with founder and CEO Judy Faulkner sporting a vibrant purple wig, bright green shoes, and a metallic vest reminiscent of the character Buzz Lightyear.
In an exclusive interview earlier this summer, CNBC had the chance to speak with Faulkner about her 46-year journey at the helm of the company. During her presentation, she elaborated on Epic's AI initiatives, stating, "We are combining the intelligence and curiosity of humans with the investigative capabilities of generative AI."
Although many of the new features announced are still months away from implementation, it's evident that Epic is fully embracing AI technology, ensuring that attendees are well aware of its significance during this year's UGM.
For more insights from CNBC's interview with Faulkner, click here.
For any tips or suggestions related to health care, feel free to reach out to Ashley at ashley.capoot@nbcuni.com.
