Dr. Scott Gottlieb: Could see more hantavirus case, but don't think it will get out of control

Summary

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the hantavirus outbreak, its transmission and mortality, and the potential for therapeutics. He also weighs in on FDA leadership uncertainty under Marty Makary and the agency's new flavored vape policy that will allow many new products to market.

• Hantavirus outbreak from a cruise ship is being contained, with risk of wider spread considered low.
• Incubation period up to six weeks, with 40-50% case fatality rate.
• Gottlieb believes therapeutics, not vaccines, are the right approach for hantavirus.
• Mentions Eli Lilly and Regeneron as potential developers of antibody treatments.
• Discusses FDA Commissioner Marty Makary's challenges with political appointees.
• FDA announced enforcement discretion to allow hundreds of new vaping products to market.
• Gottlieb expresses concern about lack of age-verification safeguards in the vape policy.