First Human Test Subjects Injected With Experimental Coronavirus Vaccine As Trial Kicks Off
March 17, 2020
Morning Briefing
On the first day of the trial, four healthy volunteers were given the test vaccine developed by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Moderna Inc. Meanwhile, other Pfizer is also working to co-develop a vaccine with a German company. Such rapid development is unprecedented, but experts warn that even if one works a vaccine will still not be broadly available for 12-18 months.
‘You Can’t Afford To Make Mistakes’: Will Pence Emerge From Coronavirus A Hero Or A Scapegoat?
March 3, 2020
Morning Briefing
No one is denying the pressure that Vice President Mike Pence faces after President Donald Trump put him in charge of the country’s coronavirus response. So far, Pence has borrowed a page from his gubernatorial playbook by attempting to control government messaging as it relates to coronavirus, and that lack of transparency is drawing criticism. But the vice president is expected to ramp up communications staffing in the coming days. Meanwhile, top health officials in the Trump administration are all adjusting to living under the microscope.
Public Health Experts Warn About A Dangerous Symptom Of Coronavirus: Xenophobia
January 30, 2020
Morning Briefing
“More panic, more temptation to blame the outsider — the other,” says Robert Fullilove, a professor of sociomedical sciences at New York’s Columbia University Medical Center. Fullilove is among the experts who are warning that mass hysteria over the coronavirus could lend itself to bigotry and baseless fear.
Science Vs. Myths: New Study Outlines How Long Coronavirus Lives On Various Surfaces, In The Air
March 18, 2020
Morning Briefing
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study says coronavirus can live for three days on some surfaces. It survives longest on plastic and steel. Other research news is on how long social distancing might be necessary, how long the pandemic can last and the importance of taking walks.
A Look At The Main Players Around The Globe Who Are Handling Coronavirus Outbreak
February 18, 2020
Morning Briefing
From HHS Secretary Alex Azar to Chinese President Xi Jinping to WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Stat takes a look at the big names behind the organizations and countries racing to contain the outbreak. Meanwhile, NIH’s Anthony Fauci says the outbreak is “on the verge” of becoming a global pandemic.
Facing Widespread Criticism, Trump Administration To Launch ‘Radical Expansion’ Of Coronavirus Testing
March 2, 2020
Morning Briefing
The FDA gives laboratories and hospitals across the country the go-ahead to conduct tests that were previously limited to those analyzed by the CDC. Early delays and restrictions on testing is the target of vocal criticism about the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, HHS launches an investigation into flawed tests that derailed early detection.
In Los Angeles, Antibody Testing Suggests Coronavirus Cases Could Be 40 Times Higher Than Official Count
April 21, 2020
Morning Briefing
“We haven’t known the true extent of COVID-19 infections in our community because we have only tested people with symptoms and the availability of tests has been limited,” Neeraj Sood, a professor of public policy at USC and lead researcher on the study. The numbers back up what public health experts have been saying about the confirmed cases being only the tip of the iceberg.
Gilead Rescinds Orphan Drug Status Request For Potential Coronavirus Treatment Amid Exploitation Outcry
March 26, 2020
Morning Briefing
The drugmaker had applied for the status for its experimental drug remdesivir–and was it granted by the FDA–because the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is still under 200,000. The designation would have granted Gilead lucrative perks, including the ability to keep cheaper versions off the market for years. “Gilead must have been feeling the heat,”James Love, director of Knowledge Ecology International told NPR. “I think it’s embarrassing to take something that’s potentially the most widespread disease in the history of the pharmaceutical industry and claim it’s a rare disease.”
Blood Test To Identify Who Is Immune To Coronavirus Could Be Game Changer In War Against Outbreak
March 26, 2020
Morning Briefing
Not only could those people be the first wave back into restarting normal life in the country, antibodies in their blood could help other patients with the illness.
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes House’s Coronavirus Bill, Immediately Switches Attention To ‘Phase 3’ Stimulus Package
March 19, 2020
Morning Briefing
President Donald Trump signed the legislation–which among other things mandates free coronavirus testing–after the Senate sent it to his desk. There were worries that the upper chamber wouldn’t move quickly on the bill, but lawmakers are already gearing up for the next round of stimulus negotiations. However, with so much money involved some wonder how a fractured Congress will pass a bipartisan package even during a crisis.
Global Health Watch: China Tries To Control Death Toll Narrative; Italy Starts Talking About How To Re-Open
April 6, 2020
Morning Briefing
China and Italy continue to cope with the fallout from massive coronavirus outbreaks, while experts look to Germany to examine how that nation has, so far, avoided one.
Apple Watch’s Electrocardiogram App Can Be Used To Diagnose, Treat Heart Conditions During Emergency Times
June 16, 2020
Morning Briefing
The FDA approved the use of the smartwatch as a replacement for an in-clinic ECG during the coronavirus pandemic after Apple upgraded the app. In other health IT news: Robotics and AI may help improve safety; digital monitoring; COVID-19 conspiracies spread online; fighting bots and disinformation; and more.
Stocks Plunge For Sixth Straight Day In Global Slide Triggered By Coronavirus Fears
February 28, 2020
Morning Briefing
The outbreak not only threatens global supply chains, but impacts the way consumers interact with the economy. “They stop going out to eat, they don’t take the vacation, they cancel the business trip — that consumption, that spending, personal consumption is 68 percent of G.D.P.,” said Scott Clemons, the chief investment strategist for private banking at Brown Brothers Harriman.
First Report Of A Coronavirus-Related Drug Shortage Could Herald Things To Come
February 28, 2020
Morning Briefing
The unnamed company that notified the FDA about a shortage said the problem is the result of an issue with the manufacturing of an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in the drug. “It is important to note that there are other alternatives that can be used by patients,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn.
17-Year-Old’s Death Linked To Coronavirus, Emphasizing That The Young Aren’t Immune To The Outbreak
March 25, 2020
Morning Briefing
While the case is complex in terms of how COVID-19 played a role in the death, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials say it highlights the risk to young people, who have experienced far lower mortality rates than the older generations.
Gilead’s Promising Coronavirus Treatment Granted Orphan Drug Status That Provides Lucrative Incentives For Company
March 25, 2020
Morning Briefing
Gilead could keep lower-priced generic versions of the medicine off the market for several years if remdesivir is approved for use. Gilead was able to secure the status because as of now there are fewer than 200,000 cases in the U.S.
An Ominous Sign: Big 10 Cancels This Fall’s Non-Conference Games
July 10, 2020
Morning Briefing
The plan to scale back the conference’s athletic schedule will affect football, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. It will only be put into action if public health officials advise playing sports at all, as concerns grow regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
First Person-To-Person Transmission Of Coronavirus Confirmed In U.S.
January 31, 2020
Morning Briefing
The patient is the husband of someone who had come back from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak. “The risk to the general public remains low. This person-to-person spread was between two very close contacts, a husband and wife,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, as HHS Secretary Alex Azar takes the reins in dealing the with outbreak in the U.S., President Donald Trump still faces pressure as fears mount. Media outlets report on screenings, evacuations, possible cases in the states, and more.
Amid Coronavirus Outbreak, FDA Suspends Inspections Of Foreign Manufacturers Of Drugs, Medical Devices
March 11, 2020
Morning Briefing
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement that the decision was based on State Department travel advisories and other restrictions that have been enforced during the outbreak.
