Pharma & Tech 111820
Verily’s COVID Testing Program Halted in San Francisco and Oakland
By Jenny Gold and Rachana Pradhan
Health officials in San Francisco and Alameda counties have cut ties with Verily’s state-funded COVID testing sites amid concerns about data collection and privacy.
‘Breakthrough Finding’ Reveals Why Certain COVID Patients Die
By Liz Szabo
Scientists have found that some people have antibodies against parts of their own immune system, allowing viruses to multiply rapidly.
Clots, Strokes and Rashes: Is COVID a Disease of the Blood Vessels?
By Will Stone
COVID-19 can cause symptoms that go well beyond the lungs, from strokes to organ failure. To explain these widespread injuries, researchers are studying how the virus affects the vascular system.
As Nation Awaits Vaccine, Biden Is Under Pressure to Name New FDA Chief ASAP
By Rachana Pradhan
It typically takes months to install new leadership, but with COVID deaths set to surge through the winter, many Democrats say Biden doesn’t have that sort of time.
Nursing Homes Still See Dangerously Long Waits for COVID Test Results
By Jordan Rau and Lauren Weber and Rachana Pradhan
The Trump administration hailed rapid tests as the way to halt COVID’s spread in nursing homes. A KHN analysis of federal data shows they’re not being used, as questions linger about accuracy and best practices.
Telemedicine or In-Person Visit? Pros and Cons
By Bernard J. Wolfson
The volume of virtual medical appointments has exploded during the pandemic as patients and doctors have sought to avoid infection through in-person visits.
The Best COVID Warning System? Poop and Pooled Spit, Says One Colorado School
By Rae Ellen Bichell
About 6% of large universities with in-person classes are routinely testing all students. For many institutions, that strategy is out of reach. To get ahead of the virus, Colorado State University is experimenting with a combination of sewage monitoring and a lesser-known approach to pool testing.
Why State Mask Stockpiling Orders Are Hurting Nursing Homes, Small Providers
By Lauren Weber
More than eight months into the pandemic, stockpiling of masks and other protective equipment by wealthy hospital systems is straining nursing homes and smaller providers who also need precious protective gear to keep front-line workers safe from COVID-19.
Scientists Warn Americans Are Expecting Too Much From a Vaccine
By Liz Szabo and JoNel Aleccia
Some argue that vaccines capable of preventing any COVID-19 symptoms should qualify for widespread use, but others want much larger trials to prove the vaccines can reduce hospitalizations or deaths.
Florida Fails to Attract Bidders for Canada Drug Importation Program
By Phil Galewitz
No private firms bid on the $30 million contract to set up and operate the state’s plan to bring in cheaper drugs. The setback is likely to delay by at least several months Florida’s effort to become the first state to import drugs under new federal regulations.
Readers and Tweeters Shed Light on Vaccine Trials and Bias in Health Care
Kaiser Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
Científicos advierten que se espera demasiado de una vacuna para COVID
By Liz Szabo and JoNel Aleccia
La Casa Blanca y muchos estadounidenses han depositado sus esperanzas de derrotar a la pandemia en una vacuna. Pero científicos advierten que se espera demasiado, y demasiado pronto.
A $200 Debit Card Won’t Do Much for Seniors’ Drug Costs
By Harris Meyer
President Donald Trump wants to send seniors $200 apiece. Beyond the legal and logistical problems, health care experts point out it does little to help someone with even typical prescription costs.
La batalla por el aborto también puede amenazar al control de la natalidad
By Julie Rovner
Una nueva jurisprudencia sobre el aborto podría afectar muchas más cosas, como borrar el derecho al control de la natalidad y el matrimonio entre personas de un mismo sexo.
VA Joins Pentagon in Recruiting Volunteers for COVID Vaccine Trials
By Patricia Kime
The Department of Veterans Affairs hopes to enroll 8,000 people in advanced-stage trials of four leading vaccine candidates. The Defense Department earlier announced plans to enlist 3,000 volunteers in trials.
Search for a Snakebite Drug Might Lead to a COVID Treatment, Too
By Jim Robbins
Human clinical trials are scheduled for a drug that could prevent some of the 100,000-plus deaths from snakebites worldwide each year. The same drug may also help people suffering from COVID-related acute respiratory distress.
Five Important Questions About Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine
By Arthur Allen
The drugmaker says its mRNA vaccine worked in 90% of patients in its trial, but some observers question how long immunity will last and who will benefit.
Government-Funded Scientists Laid the Groundwork for Billion-Dollar Vaccines
By Arthur Allen
Drugmakers will walk away with massive profits, but much of the pioneering work on mRNA vaccines was done with government money.
Patients Struggle to Find Prescription Opioids After NY Tax Drives Out Suppliers
By Anastassia Gliadkovskaya
The tax was touted as a way to generate funding for treatment programs across the state. But to avoid paying, scores of manufacturers and wholesalers stopped selling opioids in New York.
Cinco preguntas críticas sobre la vacuna contra COVID-19 de Pfizer
By Arthur Allen
La farmacéutica anunció que en una muestra pequeña se comprobó que podría prevenir la infección en nueve de cada 10 casos. Pero se necesitan más respuestas.
Time to Discuss Potentially Unpleasant Side Effects of COVID Shots? Scientists Say Yes.
By JoNel Aleccia and Liz Szabo
From the likelihood of achy, flu-like side effects to the need for two doses, weeks apart, consumers need to know now what to expect when vaccines to prevent COVID-19 roll out.
¿Es hora de discutir los potenciales efectos secundarios de las vacunas para COVID? Científicos dicen que sí
By JoNel Aleccia and Liz Szabo
Dicen que hay que informar a los consumidores, para que se preparen para efectos secundarios que, en realidad, pueden significar que las vacunas funcionan.