Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed criticism from some activists associated with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement regarding his decision to extend liability protections for drug manufacturers developing treatments for the Andes hantavirus strain. The HHS announced on May 26, 2026, that it has extended legal protections until July 18 for manufacturers and distributors of the experimental antiviral drug favipiravir, which is being considered as a potential treatment for this strain of hantavirus. Kennedy signed a Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration to facilitate this extension.
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HHS Secretary Kennedy Responds to Criticism Over Hantavirus Treatment Liability Protections
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has responded to criticism from activists after extending liability protections for drugmakers developing treatments for the Andes hantavirus strain. The protections, which apply to the antiviral drug favipiravir, were announced on May 26, 2026, and will last until July 18.
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Kennedy faces anti-vaccine anger over hantavirus treatment legal protections
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HHS Secretary Kennedy Responds to Criticism Over Hantavirus Treatment Liability Protections