Coronavirus News Roundup: Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trial, FDA Authorizes Point-of-Care Antibody Test

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected an estimated 32,345,456 individuals worldwide, and approximately 6.9 million Americans. The latest COVID-19 related news includes promising phase 3 clinical trials, as well as the FDA’s authorization of the first serology point-of-care (POC) COVID-19 test.

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

Phase 3 EMPACTA Study: Tocilizumab Shows Efficacy in COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia​

Treatment with tocilizumab (Actemra; Genentech) reduced the likelihood of needing mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 associated pneumonia, according to results from a phase 3 study.

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Walmart Pilots Drone Delivery of COVID-19 Tests​

Walmart is piloting drone delivery of at-home COVID-19 self-collection kits, which provides a contactless testing option amid the pandemic, the retailer said.

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FDA Issues EUA for First Point-of-Care COVID-19 Antibody Test​

The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the first serology (antibody) POC test for COVID-19.

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Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Enters Phase 3 Trial​

Johnson & Johnson announced the initiation of its phase 3 clinical trial for Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, JNJ-78436735, according to a press release.

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Study Compares Clinical Features of COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza​

The United States is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020-2021 influenza season is on the way.

How much the upcoming season will tax a health care system that has been stretched is unknown. However, a new report in JAMA Network Open offers a look at the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.

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Study Evaluates Famotidine Use in Hospitalized COVID-19​

Results from a recent study showed that famotidine was associated with a reduced risk of clinical deterioration leading to intubation or death in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

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