Dr. Philip McMillan, John McMillan
Over four years into the aftermath of a pandemic that reshaped the world, the origins of COVID-19 remain a subject of intense investigation and debate. Did the virus emerge from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory in China, or from horseshoe bats at a nearby wet market? While there are still no clear answers, the discussion remains pertinent as figures like Tulsi Gabbard draw attention to other biosecurity risks. Gabbard, who is likely to be the new US Director of National Intelligence, highlights the presence of numerous other biolabs, including 25 to 30 U.S.-funded facilities in Ukraine, a region embroiled in conflict. “These labs need to be shut down immediately, and the pathogens they hold must be destroyed,” she urges, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic consequences if dangerous pathogens are accidentally released.
Biolabs and the Dual-Use Dilemma
Biological research facilities have traditionally been used for advancing medical knowledge and developing interventions against diseases. However, the dual-use nature of this research, where findings can be applied for both beneficial and harmful purposes, poses a dilemma.
Worldwide, approximately 300 biolabs conduct research on high-consequence pathogens. The existence of such facilities in unstable regions such as Ukraine amplifies the risks. Military conflicts threaten the integrity of these labs, increasing the chances of accidental releases. Gabbard’s call to action emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “We need to secure these labs now and ensure the pathogens don’t pose a threat to global health.”
Deciphering the Unprecedented
Although there is yet no conclusive evidence that SARS-CoV-2 originated in a biolab, it presents” a constellation of unusual features that challenge the zoonotic origin theory. The way this virus operates is something we’ve never encountered before in our scientific history. Its ability to spread before symptoms appear complicates containment efforts. It exhibits selective severity, causing disproportionate harm to the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions, while sparing younger, healthier populations. This pattern raises questions about the virus’s evolution and the factors influencing its impact.
Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with immune system modulation. The occurrence of severe immune responses, such as cytokine storms, and potential suppression of interferon signaling point to complex interactions that scientists are still striving to comprehend. These characteristics are unusual for a coronavirus and are unlikely to have evolved naturally.
This complex reality of synthetic biological agents, rogue weaponized biolabs, a scheming medical-industrial complex, and kinetic war seems straight out of a blockbuster movie script. Sometimes stories are the best way to understand the world, as Albert Camus intuitively said: “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.” Stories like that of a fictional researcher from the upcoming book “Disease X: Are You Prepared?” bring the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists into sharp focus.
As a renowned immunologist, the fictional researcher grapples with the long-term impacts of vaccination campaigns and the balance between urgency and safety. Her internal struggle underscores the balance many healthcare professionals face between expedient solutions and uncompromising safety protocols. She puts her career at risk by speaking out, refusing to ignore data on risks that were overlooked in the haste to combat the virus. “We must learn from this experience,” the researcher asserts during a pivotal address. “The rapid development of these vaccines was a remarkable achievement, but we cannot let the urgency of a crisis override the need for thorough, long-term safety studies.”
This story serves as a mirror to the broader challenges faced by the global health community, highlighting the tension between immediate action and careful deliberation.
Towards a Proactive Stance
Addressing these intertwined challenges could involve several strategies:
- Transparent Investigations: A comprehensive and open inquiry into the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is essential. Understanding the genesis of the virus will inform prevention strategies and enhance preparedness for future threats.
- International Collaboration: Securing biolabs, particularly in conflict zones, necessitates cooperation across geopolitical divides. Establishing protocols and agreements can help mitigate risks.
- Public Health Emphasis: Strengthening public health systems and promoting individual well-being are foundational to resilience. Preparedness isn’t just about responding to current threats but fortifying ourselves against what’s to come.
- Ethical Considerations: Balancing the speed of scientific advancement with ethical obligations requires careful deliberation. The narratives of real and fictional scientists alike highlight the importance of this balance.
The path we must tread is illuminated by the convergence of multiple issues: the enigmatic nature of SARS-CoV-2, the risks associated with global biolabs, and the ethical considerations in public health.
“Be prepared, because it’s only when you are prepared that you at least have a chance,” Dr. McMillan advises in a recent Vejon Health YouTube video. This preparedness extends beyond governments and institutions; it is a call to individuals to prioritize health, strengthen immune systems, and stay informed. In reflecting on the journey thus far, the words of our fictional “Disease X: Are You Prepared?” character offer guidance: “We must learn from this experience.” It is a call to action that transcends borders and disciplines—a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is inextricably linked to the well-being of humanity.
It is of the outmost importance to do this work, lest the mistakes and what many consider crimes, be repeated once again on top of the already dynamic and ever emerging dangers. Thank you Dr. McMillan, from Oregon, USA.