NIH director's role in COVID-19 lab leak theory dismissal

What happened: On her last day, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released declassified documents showing that a U.S. lab assessed the COVID-19's lab-origin in 2021. Dr. Steven Quay presented genetic evidence supporting the lab-leak theory at the Hudson Institute. Meanwhile, former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins secretly assisted in drafting a paper dismissing the lab-leak theory in early 2020.

Market impact: This narrative has implications for biotech and healthcare sectors. If the lab-leak theory gains traction, it could impact valuations of companies involved in gain-of-function research, like EcoHealth Alliance and New York University. It may also influence regulatory scrutiny of such research and pandemic preparedness spending.

What to watch next: The upcoming report from the U.S. Energy Department on COVID-19's origins (expected in late 2022) will provide crucial insights. Additionally, watch for any changes in U.S. policy towards gain-of-function research, which could be influenced by the evolving narrative around COVID-19's origins.