Vaccines and conflicts of interest, Ricciardi's reply (Iss)

The president of the Higher Institute of Health answers the question of Article 1-Mdp and denounces Senator Vincenzo D'Anna (Ala) for defamation

Of Aboutpharma Online editorial staff – 14 luglio 2017 – Aboutpharma

“Starting from 1 September 2015, the president of the Higher Institute of Health (ISS), simultaneously with taking over the leadership of the Institute, took leave of absence from the Catholic University and resigned from all the positions he had held up to then, including those compatible with the current one". Walter Ricciardi entrusts the reply to the allegations of alleged conflicts of interest raised by a parliamentary question presented in recent days by Articolo1-Mdp in a note released by the ISS.

In the text, first signed by Nerina Dirindin, clarifications are requested regarding a sponsorship by Merck Sharp & Dohme in favor of the Catholic University of Rome, of which Ricciardi was director, and reference is made to the role played by the ISS in the preparation of the new National Vaccine Plan and to Ricciardi's "technical-scientific support" for the preparation of the decree law 73/2017 on vaccines currently under discussion. The Five Star Movement had also intervened on the matter, asking for clarity "on a potential case of conflict of interest".

Ricciardi also announces legal initiatives against Senator Vincenzo D'Anna (Ala), who accused him last Wednesday at Palazzo Madama of "having taken 600,000 euros from Merck Sharp & Dohme to get paid for a professorship at the University". The president of the ISS has given a mandate to his lawyers to file a complaint for defamation. "The senator's statements are particularly serious since, in addition to harming the image and reputation of the president, they also damage the prestige and authority of the largest public health institute", concludes the ISS note.

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