Sanofi and GSK are giving 200 million coronavirus vaccine doses to the World Heath Organization’s Covax program. Covax is a global partnership planning to distribute vaccines throughout the world. The program hopes to acquire 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. (CNBC)
Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla announced that the drugmaker won’t be able to report results this month from its coronavirus vaccine trial. Fewer than 32 people in the placebo or vaccinated group have developed COVID-19 – the minimum number required by the trial protocol for the release of results. (The New York Times)
Most Americans should get their initial screenings for colorectal cancer at age 45 – five years sooner than current guidelines recommend, says a national panel of medical experts. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is urging the earlier testing in order to combat growing rates of the cancer among younger people. (STAT)
Some COVID-19 survivors are producing antibodies that attack the body, rather than the virus, new research has shown. The research on patients within the Emory University healthcare system in Atlanta has discovered that almost half of them produce molecules, called autoantibodies, that target genetic material from human cells, rather than from the virus. (The New York Times)
The latest episode of The MM+M Podcast features Genentech’s Quita Highsmith discussing the biotech’s research that could bring insight to bear on the willingness among communities of color to engage in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. (MM+M)
