Novartis will begin a trial of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients. The trial will recruit 440 patients in the U.S. and results are expected on the drug’s efficacy by June. (Reuters)
Research suggests that many people have had coronavirus with no symptoms. Estimates of how many patients experience no symptoms ranges from 25% to as high as 60%. Antibody testing may be the next step to determine whether people have the virus. (Associated Press)
Google will make its Healthcare API widely available. The technology would allow doctors and patients to share health information on third-party apps. It could also help health systems make medical records more easily accessible for patients. (CNBC)
Alexion Pharmaceuticals will test its blood disorder drug in COVID-19 patients. The drug, Ultomiris, is already approved to treat rare blood disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. (Reuters)
Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo saw positive results in two late-stage cancer trials. The trials were testing Opdivo against advanced kidney cancer and a rare lung cancer. The trials showed Opdivo improved survival and response rate in these patients. (Reuters)
