Many people hear the words vaccines, mRNA, or clinical trials and immediately think of controversy. Its hidden risks or science too complex to understand. The coronavirus pandemic has fueled uncertainty. It left questions like: Were mRNA vaccines rushed? How safe are new technologies? These doubts make it hard for families and even governments to decide how to truly protect public health. But what if the story behind these innovations is both more human and more fascinating than we realize?
In this episode of The Best Business Podcast, Daryl Urbanski is joined by Dr. Robert Malone, popularly called the “Inventor of mRNA vaccines.” A physician-scientist with decades of experience in medicine, biotechnology, and clinical development. Malone’s early research at the Salk Institute in San Diego led to a landmark experiment that changed vaccine science. His career has included roles as Chief Medical Officer, Adjunct Associate Professor, and biotech co-founder. He is also a consultant for companies like Atheric Pharmaceutical and Alchem Laboratories. Having trained at Northwestern University and Harvard University. Robert also worked closely with other scientists such as Philip Felgner.
Be ready to gain a deeper understanding of how mRNA and DNA vaccines were developed. Know what decades of research, patents, and clinical trials reveal about vaccine efficacy. This is for health professionals to parents to those simply seeking clarity. This episode blends science with innovation and delivers practical steps for navigating modern health challenges.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
- Discover the early research and landmark experiment that helped launch mRNA vaccines and shaped modern vaccine development.
- Learn Dr. Robert Malone’s perspective on vaccine safety, efficacy, and what decades of clinical trials reveal about coronavirus vaccines.
- Gain practical steps and innovative strategies from a leading scientist on how to end the coronavirus pandemic more quickly and effectively.
Resources:
- Atheric Pharmaceutical: Website
- Alchem Laboratories Corporation: Website | LinkedIn
- Best Business Podcast with Daryl Urbanski - Where you can find more insightful interviews like this one.
Episode Highlights:
Early Research and Landmark Experiments in San Diego
- Robert Malone’s early research at the Salk Institute in San Diego produced a landmark experiment showing RNA could direct cells to create proteins.
- His 1988 patent application laid the foundation for today’s mRNA vaccines and DNA vaccines.
- Working closely with Philip Felgner, John A. Wolff, and other scientists, he explored lipid-based delivery systems for RNA.
- These early experiments bridged academia, biotechnology, and government interests in vaccine research.
From Being an Assistant Professor to Industry Leadership
- Trained at Northwestern University and Harvard Medical School, Malone also served as an Assistant Professor and Adjunct Associate Professor.
- He held positions as Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of biotech firms like Atheric Pharmaceutical and Alchem Laboratories.
- His work connected academia, medicine, and development centers, advancing vaccine and treatment pipelines.
- This blend of roles gave him unique authority in both research and entrepreneurship.
Understanding mRNA and DNA Vaccines
- Malone explains how mRNA and DNA vaccines instruct cells to produce viral proteins for immunity.
- He contrasts them with older coronavirus vaccines, which relied on whole viruses or subunits.
- Key reagents and RNA delivery technologies made these approaches possible after decades of trial and error.
- These innovations marked a turning point in medicine, science, and technology.
Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Debates
- Malone raises concerns about spike proteins and safety, describing them as potentially toxic.
- He compares vaccine-induced immunity to natural immunity, citing data suggesting the latter can be significantly longer lasting in some cases.
- Questions about Pfizer studies and the lack of long-term outcome data fuel his skepticism about broad vaccination campaigns.
- He argues for more transparent evidence-based evaluation, stressing that regulatory shortcuts during the coronavirus pandemic may have left critical gaps in safety assessment.
- Malone also highlights the risk of vaccine-enhanced disease and the absence of complete bio-distribution studies in humans.
The Role of Government and Regulation
- Malone critiques how government agencies managed the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination rollout.
- He points to the influence of funding and policy on research priorities and public messaging.
- The relationship between academia, scientists, and regulators created both progress and tension.
- These insights show how bureaucracy can shape health, treatment, and medicine.
Early Treatments and Alternative Medicines
- He highlights drugs like ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, and famotidine as underutilized treatments.
- Past clinical trials faced barriers that slowed affordable, early treatment options.
- Merck’s donation program for ivermectin illustrates how access impacts global health.
- Malone stresses that failing to pursue alternatives cost lives during the coronavirus pandemic, especially of children and other vulnerable cmmunities.
Collaborations and Influences
- Malone acknowledges working closely with half a dozen COVID experts and biotech leaders.
- He references connections to the Salk Institute, development centers, and leading universities.
- Collaborations with peers like Philip Felgner shaped the trajectory of vaccine development.
- His career reflects decades of partnerships in science, academia, and research laboratories.
The Human Side of Science
- Malone shares personal stories from decades in academia, laboratories, and medicine.
- He recalls the challenges of long hours, scarce resources, and skepticism from other scientists.
- These experiences shaped his resilience as both a researcher and inventor.
- His journey underscores the human drive behind science, writing, and innovation.
A Roadmap to End the Pandemic Quickly
- Malone presents a four-part plan: targeted vaccines, early treatments, self-assessment apps, and home diagnostics.
- He suggests prioritizing high-risk groups for vaccination while monitoring safety closely.
- Technology and diagnostics would empower individuals to take control of their health.
- This strategy offers a vision for reducing illness, death, and cost while advancing public health.