Big Pharma is a National Security Threat
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The intersection of national security and public health has become increasingly apparent as the pharmaceutical industry—commonly referred to as Big Pharma—wields significant influence over both policy and practice. In particular, the industry's actions and its impact on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinical trials have raised urgent concerns about national security and the well-being of our servicemen and women.
Big Pharma has long been criticized for prioritizing profit over public health. This focus has led to various issues, including inflated drug prices, questionable marketing practices, and, most alarmingly, a significant impact on public health policies. The recent revelations that the FDA, an agency partially funded by Big Pharma, may be colluding to suppress effective treatments underscore the urgency of reevaluating the pharmaceutical industry's role in national security.
The opioid crisis, driven in part by pharmaceutical companies’ aggressive promotion of addictive painkillers, is a stark example of how Big Pharma's practices can destabilize societies. This crisis not only contributes to a public health emergency but also strains national resources and impacts military readiness, as soldiers and veterans are not immune to these societal issues.
Recent clinical trials conducted by the VA have shown promising results for psychedelic therapy in treating PTSD, a condition affecting a significant number of veterans. These trials have demonstrated that substances such as MDMA and psilocybin can offer profound therapeutic benefits, providing relief where traditional treatments have fallen short.
The efficacy of psychedelic therapy has been corroborated by testimonies from over 10,000 veterans who report that such treatments have been life-saving. These veterans describe significant improvements in their mental health, reduced symptoms of PTSD, and an enhanced quality of life. Despite this compelling evidence, the road to widespread availability of psychedelic therapy remains obstructed.
Krysten Sinema, Senator from Arizona, and the Undersecretary of Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, as well as many colleagues from VA Central Office recently joined Dr. Rachel Yehuda for a briefing on the VA's MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial at the James J. Peters Bronx U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Rachel Yehuda is a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience, the vice chair for veterans affairs in the psychiatry department, and the director of the traumatic stress studies division at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine This first triual at VA seems to have produced stunning and robust results, which Dr. Yehuda cannot wait to share (at the appropriate time 😜). The VA continues to take leadership in the psychedelic arena, and it is coming from the top! The VA is funding psychedelic research and when the time is right, move to ensure safe clincial implementation. This is Dr. Elnahal's third visit to hear from our veterans, treated with MDMA therapy. His leadership in bringing innovative mental health treatments to our veterans, and his commitment to their well-being has been inspiring. One of the most interesting things we talked about was the difference between how we currently define response rate -- a 10 point decrement on the CAPS, a measure of PTSD severity -- and the kind of response that might be possible with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Let's set our goals for reaching greater symptoms decrements than this -- even remission from PTSD. Veterans and civilians with PTSD should be offered treatments that bring tangible, positive outcomes.
The FDA's hesitancy to approve psychedelic therapies is troubling, given the compelling evidence from VA trials and veteran testimonies. Concerns have been raised about the FDA’s close ties with Big Pharma and the potential for these connections to influence its decisions. The delay in making effective treatments available to veterans can be seen as a result of this undue influence, denying veterans the care they need.
This situation underscores a critical national security issue. By hindering access to life-saving therapies, the FDA, under the influence of Big Pharma, not only jeopardizes veterans' health but also compromises the overall readiness and well-being of the armed forces.
In light of these issues, it is imperative that the Pentagon undertake a thorough threat assessment of the pharmaceutical industry. The goal should be to evaluate how Big Pharma's actions affect national security and to develop strategies for ensuring that effective treatments, such as psychedelic therapy, are made available to all soldiers and veterans.
Initiate a Comprehensive Threat Assessment: Evaluate the impact of Big Pharma on national security, particularly in relation to its influence over public health policies and the FDA’s decision-making processes.
Advocate for Accelerated Approval: Push for expedited review and approval of psychedelic therapies based on the promising results from VA clinical trials and veteran testimonies.
Develop Alternative Channels for Treatment: Explore ways to bypass potential roadblocks created by Big Pharma’s influence, ensuring that veterans have access to necessary treatments regardless of pharmaceutical interests.
Enhance Collaboration with Research Institutions: Foster partnerships with academic and research institutions to further investigate and validate the efficacy of psychedelic therapies, ensuring that decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than industry influence.
By addressing these critical issues, the Pentagon can help ensure that veterans receive the care they need and protect national security by mitigating the risks posed by Big Pharma’s undue influence. It is time for decisive action to safeguard our servicemen and women and uphold the integrity of our healthcare system.
