The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines provide immunity lasting months after inoculation, a new study found. The research suggested that some people may not need booster shots unless the virus and current variants evolve. (The New York Times)
Researchers have successfully used CRISPR to edit DNA in humans, according to new Phase I results from Intellia. Such usage could potentially lead to new therapies for genetic and non-genetic diseases. (Endpoints News)
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $230 million to the state of New York to settle a lawsuit relating to the company’s marketing of opioids. As part of the settlement, J&J committed to ending opioid sales. (STAT)
Juul will pay the state of North Carolina $40 million as part of a settlement for aggressively marketing its high-nicotine vapes to young people. Thirteen other states have sued the company for targeting young people. (The Washington Post)
While Russia was the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine in August 2020, its vaccination rate remains one of the lowest among countries with widely available vaccines. Only 14% of Russia’s population has been vaccinated with one dose, compared to more than half of Americans. (CNBC Weekly)
