Moderna, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Stephane Bancel, is one of three drug makers backed by the U.S. Government in late stage testing for a potential vaccine. As reported recently, “Moderna’s experimental vaccine contains genetic material called messenger RNA, or mRNA, which scientists hope provokes the immune system to fight the virus.”
In July, the company released early stage information that indicated its “vaccine generated a promising immune response in a small group of patients.”
So, why is the release of details regarding trials unusual?
All companies like to keep a competitive edge. They keep the edge by playing close to the vest. They don’t provide any information regarding product development that a competitor could copy or help the competitor in any way.
But, in CEO Bancel’s mind, this situation is different – the pubic good is at stake.
Moderna’s view is that the welfare of all can be best served by providing and sharing their vaccine “blueprints” to help other (potentially competitive) researchers speed in their vaccine development efforts.
Bancel also believes that the general public deserves the information and with greater transparency, there will be more trust in the process and, ultimately, trust in any and all vaccines that are subsequently approved.
Moderna is leading the way encouraging other vaccine developers to do the same.
One for all and all for one.
Now THIS is something I can absolutely get on board with.
As you already know, the Covid-19 pandemic has produced the good, bad, and ugly. I am here to tell you that Bancel’s leadership and Moderna is a perfect example of the good – focusing on the welfare of others.
In other words, “doing the right thing… even if” there is a loss in competitive advantage.
I teach ethics to students, professionals, associations, and organizationals every week. In my trainings, I like to talk about what I call The Everyday Ethicist™. There are many definitions and characteristics but I like to sum up by saying that The Everyday Ethicist makes decisions putting the welfare of others first “even if” there is a personal or organization cost.
Because remember….
Ethics is all about doing the right thing… even if.
Need Ethics CPE? Book your virtual 1-hour, 2-hour, or 4-hour Ethics training with Jo today! Email Jo@AuditConsultingEducation.com.
Amanda “Jo” Erven, CPA, CIA, CFE, is the President and Founder of Audit. Consulting. Education. LLC. After a successful career in external/internal audit and accounting, Jo is now an active Internal Audit Strategist, Management Consultant, Higher Education Professor, Author, and Trainer/Speaker, providing Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours, live and virtually, to organizations across the globe. Jo’s motto says the most about her personal and professional outlook: “Good things come to those who wait… but don’t. You deserve better than good.” Every one of her books and presentations focuses on that proactive stance, and how we can immediately connect our actions to our values.
