Panic in Pfizer: Data on the COVID-19 vaccine stolen

Panic in Pfizer: Data on the COVID-19 vaccine stolen

Pfizer is suing one of its employees after she allegedly stole thousands of the company’s files with the intent to take a job with one of its competitors, with some of the files including information about the Covid-19 vaccine.

In a complaint filed Tuesday in San Diego federal court, Pfizer alleged one of its associate directors of statistics, Chun Xiao Li, who violated her confidentiality agreement by uploading over 12.000 files to her personal devices from a company issued laptop without permission.

"Due to the large number of documents that Ms. Li illegally appropriated, 'Pfizer' has yet to determine the scope of business secrets and confidential information that it possesses," the company said.

The alleged stolen materials include a "manual" from September 24, which contains internal assessments and recommendations about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against coronavirus, then "Pfizer's" relationship with the German partner for vaccines, as well as presentations related to antibodies against cancer.

The company "Pfizer" said that Li, who was the assistant director for statistics, tried on several occasions to cover up the traces of what she did.

The drug company claimed Li tried to mislead it by providing a “decoy” laptop when they confronted her about the issue.

It is also stated that Li worked in the company for 15 years, Pfizer said, claiming that it believes Li was offered a job at one of its competitors—Xencor Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Pfizer noted in the complaint their company faces a huge problem as its competitors have been trying “relentlessly” to recruit its employees, particularly throughout 2021.