Pharmafile.com’s weekly COVID-19 news round-up
pharmafile | September 30, 2020 | News story | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | pharma, top ten
The coronavirus news this week focuses on the development of treatments to alleviate symptoms of the virus, as Australian biotech Ena Respiratory has revealed new data demonstrating that its novel nasal spray almost halted replication of the SARS-CoV-2 in animals when used as a prophylactic, while Fujifilm has announced promising new Phase 3 findings demonstrating that its antiviral therapy Avigan had a statistically significant impact on recovery times in COVID-19 patients with non-severe symptoms.
In other news, Public Health England has warned that catching seasonal flu and coronavirus at the same time could almost double the risk of death, while the FDA is set to release new guidelines that would raise safety and efficacy requirements required for a COVID-19 vaccine to be granted Emergency Use Authorization.
1. Novel prophylactic nasal spray reduced COVID-19 replication by 96% in animal studies – Published 28/09/20
Australian biotech Ena Respiratory has revealed new data demonstrating that its novel nasal spray almost halted replication of the SARS-CoV-2 in animals when used as a prophylactic, showing potential to improve immune response when used alongside COVID-19 vaccines.
2. Fujifilm’s Avigan reduces recovery time in non-severe COVID-19 patients – Published 23/09/20
Fujifilm has announced promising new Phase 3 findings demonstrating that its antiviral therapy Avigan (favipravir) had a statistically significant impact on recovery times in COVID-19 patients with non-severe symptoms.
3. Science community calls for transparency on AstraZeneca’s halted US COVID-19 vaccine trial – Published 23/09/20
The halting of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial around the world was cause for much initial concern over the eventual safety and efficacy of the therapy. Trials have resumed in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, but US trials remain on hold. Now, voices in the scientific community are calling for transparency from the trial organisers as to why.
4. Contracting flu and COVID-19 simultaneously increases the risk of death, new study shows – Published 23/09/20
Public Health England has warned that catching seasonal flu and coronavirus at the same time could almost double the risk of death.
5. FDA set to announce stricter criteria for COVID-19 vaccines to receive Emergency Use Authorization – Published on 23/09/20
The FDA is set to release new guidelines that would raise safety and efficacy requirements required for a COVID-19 vaccine to be granted Emergency Use Authorization.
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