Coronavirus News Roundup: FDA Revokes EUA, NY Law to Ensure Pharmacist-Provided COVID-19 Vaccines

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected an estimated 8,513,725 individuals worldwide, and approximately 2.1 million Americans to date. Latest developments include Gilead’s new plans for remdesivir trials, New York authorizing licensed pharmacists to administer a coronavirus vaccine once available, and the CDC urging Americans to continue receiving vaccinations during the pandemic.

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

Gilead Announces Plans for Pediatric COVID-19 Trial of Remdesivir

The phase 2/3 trials will evaluate remdesivir (Gilead) in pediatric patients, from newborns to adolescents, who have contracted severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Gilead Sciences announced its plan to begin pediatric enrollment for a new phase 2/3 clinical trial, which will assess remdesivir for treating pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe novel COVID-19

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Pharmacy Groups Praise New York COVID-19 Pharmacist Vaccination Law

New legislation authorizes licensed New York pharmacists to administer a vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available.

New York pharmacists can provide the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, according to new legislation.

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CDC Urges Routine Vaccinations Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

The CDC released an updated vaccination guidance on administering routine vaccinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders have resulted in decreased routine immunizations, the CDC is stressing the importance of continuing vaccinations, especially for the upcoming influenza season.

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Pharmacy Technicians Share Personal COVID-19 Stories

Via a new web platform, pharmacy technicians are sharing their personal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Confronted with the [COVID-19] pandemic, pharmacy technicians are demonstrating unwavering commitment, strength, and courage as they work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and emergency response teams across pharmacy settings,” said the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board in a press release.

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FDA Releases Drug Interaction Warning for Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine

The FDA updated its fact sheet on the co-administration of remdesivir with chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine.

The FDA released a warning to health care providers concerning an update on potential drug reactions for remdesivir, an antiviral drug that is being evaluated as a potential treatment for the novel COVID-19 and has also been granted emergency use authorization (EUA) status for treating hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.

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FDA Revokes EUA for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Since the emergency use authorization was granted, new data on heart risks associated with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have been revealed.

Shortly after the World Health Organization suspended its hydroxychloroquine study, the FDA revoked the EUA for chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate to be used in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

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Part 2: Favipiravir, A Potential Treatment

In part 2 of our interview, Armand Balboni, MD, PhD, chief executive officer of Appili Therapeutics, discusses the potential for favipiravir, an antiviral medication, for treating COVID-19 in certain populations.

Watch the interview