Highlights:
- Gene-based injections, genetically modified foods & inhalation of mRNA-based medications & vaccines: Caution and more research needed
- Gene-edited rice
- In the pipeline: inhalable mRNA medicines and vaccines
- NIMHANS study finds neurological complications associated with COVID-19 vaccines
Download: https://uho.org.in/nl/2025-07-18-newsletter.pdf [copy & paste the link]
Website: https://uho.org.in
Dr. Amitav Banerjee from the Universal Health Organization (UHO) released the latest UHO Newsletter, focusing on the rapidly evolving field of gene technology. The newsletter highlights both the scientific promise of gene-based advancements and significant concerns regarding their swift and widespread application, particularly without comprehensive understanding of long-term adverse effects.
Dr. Banerjee initiated the discussion by acknowledging gene technology as a groundbreaking scientific tool, one that has even earned a Nobel Prize. However, he immediately pivoted to the cautious approach needed for its current applications. “We are surrounded by genes in many ways,” stated Dr. Banerjee, “whether it’s the mRNA vaccines like the COVID vaccines, which, while not termed gene therapy, undeniably use genetic material to instruct the body’s cells.” He emphasized that genes act as messengers to our cells, carrying characteristics within the nucleus’s chromosomes. The concern arises as gene technology is now being used to send messages to our biological systems in diverse ways, from inducing spike protein production to altering grains in our food, necessitating “thorough research” before rapid adoption.
A critical point in the newsletter was the discussion of a recent study from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. This research reveals that COVID-19, and notably COVID-19 vaccines, can cause long-term neurological damage and disorders such as Bell’s palsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and strokes. “This is significant because it acknowledges that vaccines can have side effects—something that is difficult to accept but important to recognize,” Dr. Banerjee noted. He further highlighted that NIMHANS’ initial studies suggest that the vaccines may cause even more neurological issues than the virus itself, recommending urgent long-term studies.
Dr. Banerjee categorized the pervasive nature of gene technology into three parts: currently used gene-based injections, genetically modified (GMO) foods like rice entering agriculture, and emerging technologies such as “breathable genes,” which could lead to vaccine delivery via nasal sprays or even air-based methods. “We are consuming genetically modified food, receiving gene-based injections, and may even inhale gene-based products. Genetic research is trending everywhere,” he cautioned.
Despite growing concerns, Dr. Banerjee expressed surprise at the recent authorization by the U.S. FDA of the mRNA vaccine 1273 Spikevax for children aged six months to 11 years for the 2025-26 respiratory season. This decision, transitioning from prior Emergency Use Authorization to full authorization, appears paradoxical given the mounting evidence of potential harm. He cited testimony from leading cardiologist Peter McCullough at the US Senate, who reported that autopsy findings indicate 73.9% of sudden deaths in children and young people are due to myocarditis caused by gene-based mRNA vaccines.
The UHO underscores that real change will be gradual, emphasizing that continued public awareness, activism, and legal notices will be crucial for progress in ensuring responsible and safe implementation of gene technology.
Advocacy Group Calls for Urgent Scrutiny of Gene-Based Technologies Amidst Accelerated Nipah Virus Vaccine Development and Relaxed Crop Regulations
A prominent advocacy group today issued a stark warning regarding the accelerating development of mRNA vaccines, particularly for the rare Nipah virus, and the increasing push for genome-edited agricultural products. The group urged immediate and thorough safety assessments, emphasizing that gradual, well-researched changes are essential for public safety, particularly for children.
“Even after reviewing concerning reports, if authorizations for new gene-based technologies are granted, it indicates strong underlying forces at play,” stated a spokesperson for the group. “Significant changes won’t happen overnight; they will be incremental. We must keep pushing, raising awareness, and ensuring legal and public scrutiny to safeguard our future.”
The group expressed deep concern over the trajectory of mRNA vaccine development:
- Nipah Virus Vaccine Acceleration: Despite the Nipah virus being historically rare and localized, with only sporadic cases annually, significant international funding – including $13.38 million from CEPI to Pune-based Genova Biopharmaceuticals – is fast-tracking an mRNA vaccine. The group questions the urgency, alleging the threat is being exaggerated to justify mass vaccination and commercial gains. They highlighted that Nipah is deadly but affects very few people globally and does not spread widely, suggesting targeted education for at-risk groups is a more proportionate response.
- mRNA Vaccine Safety Concerns: The group reiterated long-standing concerns about mRNA technology, citing global acknowledgements of cardiac and clotting disorders linked to Covishield (AstraZeneca), a gene-based vaccine. They noted that even Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine was not granted full authorization by the US FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about regulatory rigor when compared to its widespread use elsewhere.
- The “Pandemic Game Plan”: The group alleges a perceived “game plan” to declare potential pandemics based on isolated cases, enabling the rapid deployment of these vaccines. This strategy, they warn, aligns with ongoing discussions around a global pandemic treaty, potentially centralizing control over public health responses and vaccine mandates. The involvement of cutting-edge AI technology in vaccine development, as seen with Genova and the US-based Houston Methodist Research Institute, further compounds concerns regarding unforeseen outcomes.
Beyond vaccines, the group voiced alarm over the recent announcement by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) regarding the development of genome-edited rice varieties (DRR Dhan 100 Kamla and Pusa DST rice). They critically noted simplified biosafety regulations for these crops, despite warnings from scientists and civil society groups like “GM Free India.”
“Scientists working on genome-edited crops assure safety, but if some scientists express concerns, they should be taken seriously,” the spokesperson added. Noted activist Kavita Kuruganti, an ecology and agriculture scientist, echoed this sentiment, cautioning against rushing the rollout of genome-edited crops without thorough biosafety assessments. Dr. Kritika Yagna, a biotechnologist, emphasized that genome editing using CRISPR technology is far from simple, underscoring the need for meticulous evaluation.
The group calls upon policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the public to demand transparency, robust independent safety testing, and comprehensive public discourse before widespread adoption of these gene-based technologies. They advocate for a ‘slow and steady’ approach, emphasizing education and targeted interventions for genuine threats, rather than mass solutions potentially driven by commercial interests.
“Our children must be protected,” the spokesperson concluded. “Research must continue, but it must be accompanied by unwavering caution and the highest ethical standards, prioritizing public health over profit or convenience.”
About Concerned Citizens for Health & Safety: Concerned Citizens for Health & Safety is an advocacy group dedicated to promoting public awareness, demanding transparency, and advocating for rigorous safety assessments of novel medical and agricultural technologies, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.
Experts Sound Alarm on Unpredictable Gene Technologies and Vaccine Link to Neurological Complications; Call for Rigorous Oversight and Reassessment of GMO Norms
Leading scientists and public health advocates today issued a stark warning regarding the inherent unpredictability and potential risks of advanced gene technologies, including gene editing and certain mRNA applications. During a detailed presentation, Dr. Kritika highlighted concerns about far-reaching genetic, ecological, and neurological consequences, urging immediate re-evaluation of current regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Kritika emphasized that technologies like CRISPR-based genome editing are akin to “mathematical models whose outcomes can vary,” lacking guaranteed predictability. “While seemingly promising, there is no guarantee it will follow the right path or be free of side effects,” she stated, presenting evidence of potential “large-scale genetic damage,” off-target mutations, and the transmission of “wrong messages” within biological systems, drawing an analogy to miscommunication in human conversation.
The concerns extend to broader ecosystem damage, particularly impacts on India’s rich agricultural biodiversity and established community knowledge systems. Somik Banerjee, an expert on socio-economic and ecological balance, stressed that such technologies could “interfere” with vital seed diversity and traditional practices. “Every plant comes with its own biological equipment,” Banerjee noted, emphasizing that this is not merely a scientific risk but also threatens established agricultural and community systems.
Both experts called for a fundamental revisiting of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) norms, arguing against any “exemption from norms” for genetically modified foods. This concern was particularly highlighted in the context of the rapid approval of “Rice Editte” by the Government of India. They advocated for transparency and “independent oversight” of research, free from conflicts of interest, asserting that “such powerful technologies demand a slow, thoughtful approach, adhering to the precautionary principle.”
Adding to the concerns, the presentation also touched upon emerging mRNA technologies, particularly those being developed for daily aerosol delivery. While acknowledging ongoing animal studies with plans for human trials, Dr. Kritika raised critical questions about the long-term effects of consuming and breathing gene-altering substances: “What will happen to the genes inside us, we know not.”
Further alarming findings were presented from a recent report by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. The study indicated a concerning rise in neurological complications among vaccinated individuals following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly with Covishield (AstraZeneca). While recognizing some neurological issues post-infection (3-4% in March-September 2020), the NIMHANS data revealed a significant spike, with 25% of neurological disorder cases in May-December 2021 occurring after vaccination – notably higher than the natural infection rate.
“Demyelination, indicating immune-mediated damage to the central nervous system, was a key finding,” the report noted, with 27 out of 29 studied cases linked to Covishield. The presentation referenced previous research by the Unity Against Organisms (UAO) on brain damage and clots, linking these neurological disorders to AstraZeneca/Covishield, recalling that the vaccine did not receive a license in the USA due to trial participants experiencing severe neurological symptoms like paralysis, and many European countries halted its use, especially for younger individuals, before the manufacturer eventually withdrew it from the market.
“We must not rush into adopting technologies with unknown long-term consequences. Transparent, independent research and rigorous risk assessment are paramount to protect our health, environment, and traditional knowledge,” Dr. Kritika emphasized.
The collective concerns from these experts, supported by mounting international scientific findings and research by groups like Public Consign to GM-Free India, underscore an urgent need for public discourse, comprehensive risk assessment, and a legislative re-evaluation of all novel genetic technologies. Advocacy groups continue to call for a moratorium until these risks are thoroughly understood and managed.
Citizen Advocates Demand Transparency and Independent Oversight in COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research, Citing Flaws and Conflicts of Interest
A citizen advocacy group, UAE, today issued a strong call for immediate and transparent reforms in the scientific evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine safety in India. The group cited serious concerns over methodological flaws in current studies, alleged conflicts of interest within key research bodies, and a critical lack of robust long-term data on novel vaccine technologies.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a spokesperson emphasized the urgent need for a more rigorous and impartial approach to vaccine safety monitoring, particularly in light of recent public health discussions surrounding sudden cardiac events.
“Our trust in public health institutions hinges on their commitment to uncompromised scientific integrity and transparency,” stated the UAE spokesperson. “When studies are fundamentally flawed, and financial interests appear to influence research, public faith erodes. We demand access to original trial data, truly independent investigations, and a gold-standard Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with unvaccinated control groups to accurately understand the long-term safety profile of these new-technology vaccines.”
The group highlighted critical flaws in recent studies, particularly the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s investigation into sudden cardiac deaths. UAE argues that studies comparing vaccinated individuals to other vaccinated individuals cannot accurately assess the association of vaccines with adverse events. “How can we ascertain vaccine-related associations from case-control studies where both control and cases groups are predominantly vaccinated?” the spokesperson questioned. “This methodology yields no meaningful data on causality.”
A central tenet of UAE’s demand is the need for independent oversight, free from financial ties. The group pointed to a perceived conflict of interest with the ICMR, alleging the organization’s involvement in vaccine development and receipt of royalties compromises its ability to conduct impartial safety investigations. In contrast, UAE suggested institutions like Nimhans, which they believe would be more credible due to their apparent lack of direct financial stake in vaccine manufacturing, should lead such crucial safety studies.
“We have consistently recommended the public release of original trial results for these new-technology vaccines, especially long-term data from unvaccinated control groups which we ourselves have worked on,” the spokesperson added. “Without such foundational data and robust, transparent RCTs like the ICMR study on long-term effects, it’s impossible to truly understand the safety profile.”
UAE also emphasized the critical importance of a robust system for monitoring Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), stating, “Rare is not just rare. Unless you conduct a good study and establish a comprehensive monitoring system, you cannot definitively state whether an adverse event is rare or not. There must be good recording and investigation of adverse events.”
Further, UAE expressed concern over what they perceive as a media ‘cover-up’ or ‘propaganda,’ citing instances where media outlets attributed neurological disorders solely to COVID-19, allegedly omitting any mention of potential vaccine links in headlines. “This raises questions about whether what we’re seeing is science or propaganda,” the spokesperson noted.
The group also questioned the initial necessity of mass vaccination rollouts, suggesting that a significant portion of the population may have already developed natural antibodies prior to widespread vaccination, potentially rendering mass campaigns scientifically redundant for many. “While we cannot undo what has been done, in the future we must not panic to such an extent and take every report seriously,” the spokesperson urged.
UAE is a self-funded citizen advocacy group dedicated to promoting evidence-based public health policies, transparency in medical research, and accountability from health authorities. The group appeals to the public for support to expand its research and advocacy efforts.
About UAE: UAE is a citizen advocacy group committed to advocating for scientific rigor, transparency, and accountability in public health policy and medical research. The group focuses on ensuring that public health decisions are based on robust, unbiased evidence, free from conflicts of interest.
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