“A landmark lawsuit against Merck is underway … Newly declassified documents in the trial have revealed troubling details about Merck’s failure to conduct key safety tests.
Internal emails reveal that Merck knew its Gardasil vaccine was contaminated with HPV DNA fragments from the vaccine‘s manufacturing process and lobbied regulators to bypass testing requirements.
These DNA fragments, originating from the plasmid DNA used in vaccine production to code for the HPV virus’s L1 protein, are supposed to be removed during manufacturing.
Instead, high levels of HPV DNA fragments remain in the final product and tightly bind to the aluminum adjuvant. Unlike free DNA molecules in solution, the aluminum-bound HPV DNA is stabilized and resists breakdown by enzymes.
For some individuals, particularly those with genetic predispositions, this can lead to autoimmune conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or, in rare cases, sudden death.
Notably, Gardasil’s package inserts make no mention of the presence of HPV DNA or its potential to trigger immune responses.
Internal emails reveal negligence and cover-up.” 