FDA vaccine studies scrutinized by Trump administration after finding positive results for shots

In addition, the Times learned that FDA officials did not allow agency scientists to present two research summaries of Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, to a major drug safety conference. The study is said to have boosted the known efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said in a statement that the axed COVID studies “were withdrawn because the authors found significant findings that did not support the findings. The FDA took steps to protect the integrity of its scientific method and ensure that any work related to the agency meets its high standards.”

Regarding the study of shingles looking at how they can be used more effectively, he said, “The design of the study was outside the scope of the organization’s work.” Nixon did not answer why Shingrix safety studies were kept secret.