Washington, DC – December 2, 2020 – Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) praises the scientific endeavor that has unfolded during the past months to discover a safe and effective vaccine against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been no small feat and could not have been achieved as quickly and safely as it has without collaboration and cooperation across health sectors. 
 
“Since March in the fight against COVID-19, FDA and the tireless public servants at the agency have remained committed to its mission of protecting the public health and expediting safe and effective treatments,” said Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research. “During the past nine months, FDA has remained scientifically rigorous and ensured the agency was protected from any outside pressures.” 
 
It is important to note that there is obvious urgency here: urgency to develop, review, and approve a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19, and urgency to do the same for treatments against the novel coronavirus. 
 
“We must all continue to support the FDA and ensure the agency remains steadfast in carrying out a trusted and transparent process. It must not be susceptible to political pressure—not from the current administration nor any other government entity—and allow the scientific process to unfold,” said Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research.