In the seventh episode of In Defense of Virology, distinguished virologist Simon Wain-Hobson discusses the science (or lack thereof) behind two of the most influential publications on the origin of SARS-CoV-2: “The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2” (“Proximal Origin,” published in Nature Medicine on March 17, 2020) and “Statement in Support of the Scientists, Public Health Professionals, and Medical Professionals of China Combating COVID-19” (“Calisher et al.,” published in The Lancet on March 7, 2020).
These publications were instrumental in establishing the false narrative that the weight of scientific evidence strongly favored a natural origin over a laboratory origin. While both papers have been widely criticized for years (including by Science From the Fringe host Bryce Nickels, who has been part of multiple calls for Proximal Origin to be retracted - see, Proximal Origin Retraction Request #1; Proximal Origin Retraction Request #2; Petition to Retract Proximal Origin), Simon’s comments in this episode, including his own call for their retraction, represent one of the strongest condemnations of these papers from a member of the virology community itself. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the importance of accountability in cases (such as “Proximal Origin” and “Calisher et al.”) where established scientific norms are violated in such an odious manner.
This episode serves as a companion to Simon’s essay, “Distal truths,” in which he elaborates on these arguments in written form.
(recorded February 2, 2026)
Timestamps
00:30 — Welcome and introduction
02:01 — Critique of The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2
05:51 — “Optimized binding” and speculative claims
08:56 — Laboratory manipulation argument and scientific overreach
14:32 — Journal responsibility and editorial influence
16:40 — Critique of the Lancet letter (Calisher et al., 2020)
19:22 — “Conspiracy theory” framing
24:09 — Misuse of citations and misinformation
29:18 — Fear, denial, and the virology community’s response
33:48 — Unacknowledged past errors (gain-of-function debates)
36:19 — Good faith vs. narrative manipulation
37:24 — Journals and the “Do No Harm” principle
41:47 — Accountability and ethical responsibility
42:38 — Closing remarks
intro and outro by Tess Parks
Click here to read Simon’s collection of essays on Biosafety Now’s Substack page.
