In an important development, former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins admitted to the credibility of the coronavirus lab leak theory during a closed-door interview with the House Select Committee on Coronavirus Pandemic last week. This admission aligns with similar testimony from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the prominent figure in the U.S. coronavirus pandemic response.

During the seven-hour interview on Friday, conducted by the subcommittee's chairman, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Collins affirmed his agreement with Fauci's stance that the lab leak hypothesis is not a conspiracy theory. Rep. Wenstrup further stated that Collins also "minced words" in defining gain-of-function research, implying an attempt to conceal NIH's involvement in funding the research in Wuhan, China.

Moreover, Collins revealed that Fauci invited him to a conference call on February 1, 2020, which led to the publication of the "Proximal Origin" study. This publication, according to Wenstrup, attempted to discredit the lab leak hypothesis and raises concerns about the U.S. government's potential involvement in suppressing it.

In addition to the lab leak theory, Collins and Fauci share skepticism about the scientific basis for social distancing measures of six feet apart. They question whether this specific distance was based on solid scientific evidence.

Collins also stood by his previous criticisms of the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for the protection of vulnerable populations while minimizing restrictions on young and healthy individuals. In December 2021, he expressed deep concerns about the endorsement of the strategy by "fringe epidemiologists" and called for its public debunking.

The interview with Collins follows Fauci's own extensive testimony before the House subcommittee on January 8 and 9, where he discussed his prominent role during the pandemic. The committee's investigation has sought to determine whether government officials, including Fauci, suppressed inquiries about the lab leak theory in an effort to protect China.

While Republicans have accused these officials of prioritizing the natural origin theory, this recent admission by Collins strengthens the credibility of the lab leak hypothesis. The acknowledgment from Collins, a former NIH director, adds weight to the ongoing discussions surrounding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.