October 28, 2026
Moderna Co-Founder’s Call for AI Agent Regulation Fuels Accusations That “Big Pharma” is Protecting Profits
Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan called for urgent AI agent regulation on October 13. Social media users said that Moderna wants to protect its profits and keep AI-discovered cures from the public, and conspiracy posts linked the warning to a planned outbreak.
October 28, 2026
Right-Wing Influencer Portrays Merck’s Youth Vaccine Grant As Covert Operation
Right-wing commentator Natalie Winters said that Merck paid a nonprofit to promote vaccines through youth influencers. Users shared the claim at least 840 times in 48 hours, in English, French and Spanish, and one post tried to expose the nonprofit's board members.
October 28, 2026
PhRMA Lawsuit Over Medicare Drug Pricing Rule Fuels Right-Wing Anger at “Big Pharma,” Rallies Users Behind Trump Administration
PhRMA's October 7 lawsuit against the new Medicare drug pricing rule set off right-wing posts that called the industry a greedy cartel that blocks lower prices. These claims attach to all drugmakers, including companies that the rule does not cover.
October 28, 2026
Anti-Vaccine Influencer Takes Credit for CDC “Cutting” mFLUSIVA From Annual Flu Vaccine Guidance
Anti-vaccine influencer Nicolas Hulscher misrepresented a CDC flu vaccine statement. He said that his outreach to HHS caused the CDC to cut Moderna's mFLUSIVA from its guidance, and Children's Health Defense repeated the claim.