"Tylenol Lobbied U.S. Health Secretary Not to Be Cited as Cause of Autism"

Manufacturer Claims "Acetaminophen Does Not Cause Autism"

'Tylenol' (active ingredient: acetaminophen) is once again at the center of controversy. Reports have emerged that the manufacturer of Tylenol lobbied the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, urging him not to mention Tylenol as a possible cause of autism.

According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Kirk Perry, the interim CEO of Kenview, held a private meeting with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy. During this meeting, CEO Perry reportedly lobbied Secretary Kennedy not to cite Tylenol as a cause of autism.

Tylenol, Kenview's antipyretic analgesic displayed at a pharmacy in the United States. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News

This meeting was arranged shortly after The Wall Street Journal reported on the 5th that Secretary Kennedy was planning to release a report suggesting that Tylenol use by pregnant women could potentially be linked to autism in fetuses. Following this report, Kenview's stock price fell by as much as 9% during trading, causing significant turmoil.

In a statement, Kenview said, "We have exchanged scientific opinions with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and his staff regarding product safety," adding, "We continue to believe that acetaminophen use does not cause autism, and global health regulators, independent public health organizations, and medical professionals agree with this view."

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other organizations have recommended that acetaminophen can be used for pain relief during pregnancy after consulting with a physician. The medical community and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reported that taking alternative medications such as ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during certain stages of pregnancy can cause birth defects.

However, some studies and families of autism patients claim that when pregnant women take Tylenol, exposing the fetus to acetaminophen in the womb, it may lead to autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fueling the ongoing controversy.

Tylenol is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug produced by Kenview, a consumer healthcare company spun off from global pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson. It is used as a fever reducer and pain reliever for symptoms such as fever and pain from colds, headaches, muscle pain, and toothaches, and is commonly used by pregnant women as well.

Meanwhile, in response to this issue, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea has stated that it will take necessary measures once the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services releases its report.