[nhchris]

> Then they quickly defend "It is important to note that these studies are required by U.S. and global regulators"

Right before that claim, they mention another set of studies that don't require gain-of-function engineering. The regulations probably refer to those, and Pfizer is hoping we'll misinterpret their statement and think the regulations demand gain-of-function.

I would be very surprised if regulations required genetically engineering more dangerous virus strains.