Pharmafile.com’s weekly COVID-19 news round-up
pharmafile | April 21, 2021 | News story | Research and Development | COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, covid 19 news, covid-19 news, pharma, pharma news
The past week has seen lots of COVID-19 developments; Avacta’s 20-minute COVID test has gained clinical validation, the EMA has begun a review of GSK and Vir’s treatment, and a new study of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot has suggested it has a significantly reduced efficacy against the South African variant of the virus.
1. Adagio raises $336 million to advance COVID-19 antibody – Published 20/04/2021
Adagio Therapeutics has financed $336 million to support the rapid advancement of their novel ADG20 antibody for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
2. Avacta’s COVID-19 lateral flow test gains clinical validation – Published 20/04/21
Avacta have announced positive data from the clinical validation of its AffiDX SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test, based on a clinical study conducted in Europe on 98 positive COVID-19 samples.
3. Pfizer vaccine: Study finds increased breakthrough rates of South African variant – Published 19/04/21
A study published by Tel Aviv University has found an increased breakthrough rate of the South African variant of COVID-19 in people who have been vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, finding the jab to have a significantly reduced efficacy rate against the mutation.
4. Merck cease development of $425 million COVID-19 treatment – Published – 16/04/21
Merck (MSD) have ended the development of their MK-7110 drug for the treatment of hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
5. EMA to begin review of GSK and Vir’s COVID-19 treatment – Published 16/04/21
The EMA have begun a review of GSK and Vir Biotechnology’s investigational COVID-19 antibody (VIR-7831) for patients at high risk of progressing to a severe form of the virus.
Jack Goddard
Related Content
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility creates challenges for UK pharmacies
Pharmacists across England have reported widespread confusion among patients attempting to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments …
LGC Group opens $100M Organic Chemistry Synthesis Centre of Excellence
LGC Group, a life sciences company, has opened its new Organic Chemistry Synthesis Centre of …
Mental health medicine use in England reaches record high, NHSBSA report reveals
According to new data published by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), mental health prescriptions …
