An early advocate for the theory that the Covid-19 virus was engineered in and leaked from a lab in China is no longer the leading choice to be America’s top infectious disease expert, a source with knowledge of the decision told STAT.
Steven Quay, a biopharmaceutical executive with no background in infectious diseases, was being considered for an appointment as director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, a role once held by Anthony Fauci, according to one person familiar with the discussions. However, Quay instead is expected to take on more of a consulting role for the center, the source said.
Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services responded to requests for comment. Quay also did not respond.
