Dr. Robert Malone, an internationally recognized scientist and holder of the original patents for mRNA and DNA vaccines, spent decades learning how to develop a safe and efficient drug or a vaccine by following the proper processes and regulations.

On a recent episode of CHD.TV's "Doctors and Scientists," Malone shared his views on the key problems with gene therapy and how "bad science gets played" between medical agencies and large universities.

Malone performs threat assessments, makes health recommendations and acts as a liaison between government and intelligence communities during disease outbreaks.

Malone told "Doctors and Scientists" host Brian Hooker, Ph.D., that on Jan. 4, 2020, he received a call from Michael Callahan, a CIA officer and biowarfare expert who was in Wuhan, China. Callahan told Malone there was a problem with the coronavirus and they needed to "pay attention to it."

Malone said he made the same assessment for COVID-19 as he made for the Zika virus.

"I felt there was no way a vaccine would be available in a safe and effective and well-regulated fashion, and in a timely fashion, so I got my team spun up on drug repurposing," he said.

That's when he discovered the over-the-counter drug, famotidine, a drug that reduces stomach acid. Marketed under the brand name Pepcid, the drug also is useful for treating COVID-19, Malone said.