Asian Pharma Stocks Drop After Trump Comments on Vaccines and Tylenol

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Asian pharmaceutical stocks fell Tuesday as investors reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning linking autism to vaccines and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy.

Chinese makers of acetaminophen, the key ingredient in Tylenol, were among the hardest hit. Zhejiang Cheng Yi Pharmaceutical, Anhui Fengyuan Pharmaceutical, Shanxi Zhendong Pharmaceutical, and Hunan Er Kang Pharmaceutical fell between 2.5% and 6% in Shanghai and Shenzhen trade. Major exporters to the U.S., including Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and WuXi AppTec, declined around 4% in Hong Kong.

Broader regional pharma losses were smaller. Indian companies Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries fell less than 1%, while Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical lost 0.5%.

The sell-off followed a 7.5% overnight drop in Tylenol maker Kenvue Inc., though its stock rebounded 5% in after-hours trading.

Trump’s comments echo claims by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which have been widely debunked by medical research and autism advocacy groups. Kenvue has denied any link between acetaminophen and autism.

Analysts say concerns over consumer hesitancy could affect demand for Tylenol and related ingredients. Trump also suggested leucovorin, a form of folic acid, as a potential treatment for autistic symptoms, despite limited supporting research.