Pfizer has asked the Food and Drug Administration to permit storing its COVID-19 vaccine at higher temperatures for up to two weeks. If the FDA approves the request, it could accelerate distribution of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. (CNBC Weekly)
The AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is more effective when a second dose is administered three months after the first, as opposed to six weeks, according to a new study. The vaccine was shown to be 81% effective with a three-month interval, versus 55% with a six-week one. (Reuters)
The AMR Action Fund, which is devoted to tackling antibiotic resistance, has hired former Novartis Venture Funds head Henry Skinner as CEO. Skinner will lead initiatives to fix a “broken pipeline” and develop up to four new antibiotics by 2030. (STAT)
Winter storms across the country have delayed the delivery of some six million COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to the White House. Weather-related disruptions have included road closures and power outages. (The Wall Street Journal)
Astellas’ Phase III studies on fezolinetant proved effective in decreasing the severity of menopausal hot flashes. Astellas will likely compete in the space against Bayer, maker of the nonhormonal menopause therapy NT-814. (Endpoints News)
