A Statement from Paul Offit, MD

I received this via email from Dr. Offit:

Just for the record: I no longer financially benefit from the sales of RotaTeq. My financial interests in that vaccine have been sold out by either The Wistar Institute, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, or me. I will, however, continue to stand up for the science of vaccines because unfounded fears about vaccines have hurt children. That is why I do what I do and why I have always done it. And I will continue to closely follow the distribution of rotavirus vaccines because these vaccines have the potential to save as many as 2,000 children a day, which is why I joined the research team at Children's Hospital.

It has been over 18 months and perhaps as long as 36 months since Dr. Offit and the other patent holders sold their financial interests in RotaTeq.

Offit's complete lack of financial benefit from future RotaTeq sales became public knowledge over a year ago (for a detailed look at the claims that he continues to benefit, and the evidence that he does not, see http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2009/12/paul-offits-mythical-millions-v-2/).

Nonetheless, folk who have an irrational hatred for Dr. Offit are resistant to evidence, and continue to claim -- even today -- that he still benefits from sale of the RotaTeq vaccine.  

It's more than a mistake.  It is a willful misrepresentation of the facts.

Also see: http://lizditz.typepad.com/i_speak_of_dreams/2009/01/conflicts-of-interest.html)

Comments

[KWombles]

We both know this won't change anything for those at AoA. I'll add an addendum to my post on Blaxill's hit piece to direct readers here for the statement.