Summary: During its investigation of a long-standing Russian state-backed information operation and ongoing monitoring of Russian state media, Alethea has identified instances of content targeting U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies—including Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, Gilead, Abbvie, and Emergent Biosolutions. This content alleged that the aforementioned companies were engaged in politicized or nefarious activity in concert with the U.S. government as part of a corruption scheme to enrich the industry.
Why it Matters:
Risk of Government Oversight and Regulation: Two nominees for high-level political appointments for the incoming Trump administration—RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard—have stated their intent to investigate or overhaul regulation of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. If these nominees are confirmed, there is a higher likelihood of increased scrutiny of the pharmaceutical industry and potential for government regulatory action based on the alleged corruption narratives created and amplified by these actors.
Reputation and Brand Theft: The content shared by this network attempted to exploit major pharmaceutical brands by spreading misleading narratives around alleged corruption and political associations or endorsements. As is commonly seen with Russian influence operations, individual brands are used to support the underlying anti-Western claims being made, and, in this case, as part of their broader influence efforts in the leadup to the 2024 US Presidential Election.