Manhattan Project-like scientist investor team has White House connect for Covid-19 ideas, report

A group of American scientists and investors thinks they have ways to thwart the coronavirus and reportedly have high-placed connections to get them to the White House.   

The group is led by 33-year-old doctor and venture capitalist Tom Cahill and includes 2017 Nobel Prize winner biologist Michael Rosbash, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported about the group and its efforts. 

“There’s no question that I’m the least qualified,” Rosbach told the Journal.

The scientists and their backers compare their effort to those of the Manhattan Project, the group of scientists that during World War II helped develop the atomic bomb. 

The scientific group, which calls itself Scientists to Stop Covid-19, reportedly includes an immunobiologist, neurobiologist, chronobiologist, oncologist, gastroenterologist, epidemiologist, nuclear scientist and chemical biologists. 

Members are reportedly trying to act as conduits for pharmaceutical companies trying to establish a connection to those making decisions in the Trump administration. 

Their efforts reportedly center on vetting research on the coronavirus, to try to get the best into the hands of policy makers.

The group has reportedly drafted a 17-page report that includes at least some innovative methods to treat the virus – including treating patients with heavy doses of powerful drugs previously used against Ebola.

National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins told people this month that he agreed with most of the recommendations in the report, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and people familiar with the matter. The report was delivered to cabinet members and Vice President Mike Pence, head of the administration’s coronavirus task force.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs have already implemented specific recommendations, such as cutting manufacturing regulations and requirements for specific coronavirus drugs, according to The Journal.

The group reportedly has ties to Nick Ayes, a longtime aide to Vice President Pence, who’s leading the White House coronavirus task force. 

And Steve Pagliuca – co-owner of the Boston Celtics, the co-chairman of Bain Capital and one of Dr. Cahill’s investors – reportedly helped edit drafts of the scientists’ report. He reportedly gave one version to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Chief Executive David Solomon, who gave it to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The journal report says none of those in the group will financially benefit from the project.