Coronavirus News Roundup: Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trial, FDA Authorizes Point-of-Care Antibody Test
Here's this week's roundup of the coronavirus-related news you should know.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
