Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Rochelle Walensky overruled the agency’s advisors on booster shots, instead recommending that extra doses be given to more Americans. Walensky suggested healthcare workers, teachers and other high-risk groups should receive the third jab. (The New York Times)

GenEdit has secured $26 million in Series A funding, including support from Eli Lilly, to help solve gene therapy challenges. The biotech aims to address the “delivery problem” in gene therapy by developing a non-viral, non-lipid polymer nanoparticle approach. (Endpoints News)

Burnout from the pandemic has hit the CDC, according to agency officials. Nearly two years into the pandemic, the agency is struggling to maintain productivity and morale among members of its COVID-19 response team. (Politico)

A handful of COVID-19 antivirals are currently being tested in clinical trials, with researchers hoping to present results within a few months. Merck, Pfizer and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics are among the companies developing therapies. (Kaiser Health News)

Pharmacies across the U.S. are preparing for an imminent booster-shot crunch. CVS, Walgreens and other retail pharmacies said they will rely on people to affirm that they qualify for the shot. (The Wall Street Journal)