The Biden administration will deliver 55 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa as part of the U.S. pledge to donate doses abroad. The U.S. plans to send 75% of its initial doses through COVAX. (CNBC Weekly)
The U.S. will drop AstraZeneca, which hasn’t been cleared for use in the U.S., from its vaccine donation to other countries. The Biden administration will instead focus on batches of Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson in its donations. (POLITICO)
Athira Pharma CEO Leen Kawas has been placed on temporary leave after claims that several papers she published as a grad student had altered images. Kawas’ research work laid the foundation for what the company uses to develop its Alzheimer’s treatments. (STAT)
Orphan drug company Horizon Therapeutics will pay $40 million for rights to Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ RNAi therapy for gout. Arrowhead will spearhead preclinical development, while Horizon will take charge in clinical development and worldwide commercialization. (Endpoints News)
Unproven COVID-19 drugs are gaining popularity among undocumented immigrants, who often lack access to healthcare in the U.S. Things like dexamethasone, vitamin infusions and hydroxychloroquine are being sold to people from low-income communities who may not have access to proper information or medical care. (The New York Times)
