- CDC data indicates that the U.S. has discarded at least 15.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines since March 1. Health departments in four states — Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma — each reported more than 200,000 wasted doses. Walgreens reportedly discarded 2.6 million doses, CVS reported 2.3 million discarded, Walmart reported 1.6 million, and Rite Aid reported 1.1 million. Reasons for discarding doses include cracked vials, errors diluting the vaccine and freezer malfunctions, among other things. (Articles here and here)
- Pfizer announced that it had initiated a later-stage clinical trial for a pill that could potentially treat COVID-19. If proven to be safe and effective, the drug could be used in a “broad” population of patients, namely people who have symptomatic cases of COVID-19 and are not hospitalized or at risk of severe illness. (Article here)
- Moderna Inc. said it asked the FDA to authorize a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine after submitting data that showed a reduced dose of its existing shot offered strong protection against the delta variant in a clinical trial. Federal regulators are facing pressure to make booster shots more accessible to prioritized groups, given the White House said it wants to begin offering additional doses on September 20. (Articles here, here, and here)
September 2, 2021
Life Sciences