J.C. v. HHS - Influenza, narcolepsy with cataplexy (2024)

J.C., an adult, received an influenza vaccine on February 3, 2014, and a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on February 20, 2014. She alleged that these vaccinations caused her to develop narcolepsy with cataplexy.

The petitioner presented expert testimony from Dr. Lawrence Steinman, who theorized that molecular mimicry between vaccine components and hypocretin, a substance involved in narcolepsy, could cause the condition.

Dr. Steinman used BLAST searches to identify potential homologies and cited studies on the HPV vaccine and narcolepsy, as well as studies on other flu vaccines and narcolepsy.

The respondent presented expert testimony from Dr. Maryann Deak and Dr.

Neil Romberg, who challenged Dr. Steinman's methodology and findings.

They argued that the BLAST search results were not statistically significant, that the identified homologies were likely due to chance, and that the cited studies did not establish a causal link between the specific vaccines received by J.C. and narcolepsy. The court found that the petitioner failed to establish a sound and reliable theory of causation under the first prong of the Althen test, as the evidence did not preponderantly show that either the flu or HPV vaccine can cause narcolepsy.

Specifically, the court found Dr. Steinman's reliance on BLAST search results alone insufficient and that the cited studies did not support his theory.

Therefore, the petition was dismissed.