Vaccine Stocks Slide, Psychedelic Stocks Surge After RFK Jr. HHS Nomination
Shares of vaccine makers traded lower on Friday, while psychedelic drug stocks rose after President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert Kennedy Jr., who vows to "make America healthy again," to lead the HHS department.
Markets sent a clear message Friday following President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Vaccine stocks took a nosedive, while psychedelic drug companies enjoyed a surprising rally. The announcement induced volatility in healthcare stocks, reflecting investor apprehension about Kennedy’s controversial views and their potential impact on US health policy.
I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2024
A Blow to Vaccine Makers
Major vaccine producers were among the hardest hit. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) closed down 4.69%, while Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) shed 7.34%, and BioNTech (NASDAQ: BNTX) lost 3.71%.
European vaccine manufacturers also felt the heat, with GSK (NYSE: GSK) and AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN) dropping 1.91% and 2.78%, respectively. Bavarian Nordic (OTC: BVNRY), a smaller Danish biotech firm, plummeted 14.24% on Friday.
Only a few vaccine stocks were able to close Friday in the green, with Novavax (NASDAQ: NVAX) and Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) battling back to close the day up 1.39% and 0.31%, respectively.
View Moderna Interactive Stock Chart on Barchart
Kennedy’s appointment sparked fears of a potential shakeup in vaccine regulations. Known for questioning vaccine safety and the influence of pharmaceutical companies, he has often criticized federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His past statements linking vaccines to autism—claims supposedly debunked by scientific authorities—have added to the unease.
Michael Yee, an analyst at Jefferies, noted:
“RFK Jr has . . . been outspoken about downsizing FDA, so there is concern on agency resources, commentary on [weight loss drugs] and also vaccines.”
RFK’s Vision Sparks Debate
In a statement following his nomination, Kennedy said he aims to “free agencies from the smothering cloud of corporate capture.” His rhetoric has resonated with some segments of the public but alarmed many in the scientific and medical communities.
While Kennedy has assured that he has no plans to “take away anybody’s vaccines,” his broader agenda includes reforms that could disrupt the pharmaceutical industry. During his campaign, Kennedy emphasized the need for transparency and stricter oversight, accusing regulatory agencies of collusion with Big Pharma.
Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your leadership and courage. I’m committed to advancing your vision to Make America Healthy Again.
We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 14, 2024
Critics, however, argue that his views lack scientific backing. Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, labeled Kennedy as “not remotely qualified for the role,” cautioning against his potential influence over science-based agencies.
Psychedelic Stocks Rise
While vaccine stocks suffered, psychedelic stocks soared, buoyed by Kennedy’s favorable stance on their therapeutic potential. Shares of Atai Life Sciences (NASDAQ: ATAI) skyrocketed 17.52%, while Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS) and Cybin (NYSE American: CYBN) jumped 3.1% and 5.45%, respectively.
AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (NYSE Arca: PSIL), an ETF that primarily invests in publicly traded life sciences companies focused on psychedelic medicines, closed Friday up 0.8%
Kennedy has openly supported research into psychedelics as treatments for mental health conditions, a sector gaining traction but still facing regulatory hurdles.
In a September interview, Kennedy said:
“My mind is open to the idea of psychedelics for treatment. People ought to have the freedom and the liberty to experiment with these hallucinogens to overcome debilitating disorders.”
My mind is open to the idea of psychedelics for treatment. People ought to have the freedom and the liberty to experiment with these hallucinogens to overcome debilitating disorders. pic.twitter.com/CXVuI64DvH
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 21, 2024
This shift in investor sentiment highlights optimism around the sector’s growth under a more lenient regulatory environment.
Market Uncertainty Ahead
Kennedy’s nomination, while energizing some sectors, introduces significant uncertainty. With control over agencies like the FDA, CDC, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he wields considerable influence. His contentious past and unorthodox ideas ensure a challenging Senate confirmation process, even with a Republican majority.
The broader healthcare market remains on edge. While vaccine makers brace for potential policy changes, psychedelics companies prepare to capitalize on a shifting regulatory landscape.
As Kennedy prepares to take the reins at HHS, investors are watching closely to see whether his controversial perspectives will translate into tangible policy shifts—or if checks and balances will temper his influence. Either way, the healthcare sector is set for a transformative chapter.
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Disclaimer: Wealthy VC does not hold a position in any of the stocks, ETFs or cryptocurrencies mentioned in this article.
