Analysts at JP Morgan said: “Admittedly, it is difficult to evaluate the exact impact this appointment could have on the industry until we have more information on specific policy proposals and priorities of the incoming administration on healthcare and the drug industry.
“That said, we are not surprised the sector has been under pressure on the potential for RFK Jr. having oversight of the various agencies within HHS [Health and Human Services] (including the FDA, the CDC, NIH, and Medicare/Medicaid) given his previous stated views on the industry.”
Mr Kennedy Jr urged people to “resist” guidelines on when children should be vaccinated during the pandemic and has been accused of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines, including promoting debunked theories linking childhood vaccines to autism.
Dr David Elliman, a consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: “What is really concerning are his views on vaccination. He has perpetuated myths, including that of a link between MMR vaccine and autism, with an utter disregard for the evidence.
“If he is appointed and continues in the same mode, I fear not just for the vaccination programme in USA, but similar programmes around the world, and for healthcare, in general.”
While he is sceptical of vaccines, Mr Kennedy Jr has said that “we’re not going to take vaccines away from anybody”.