Africa CDC [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.africacdc.org/
Press Releases
African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention launch Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing: Trace, Test and Track
21 April 2020

Press Releases
Wellcome and DFID support Africa COVID-19 continental response with € 2.26 million
21 April 2020

China CDC
http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/
No new digest content identified.

National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China
http://en.nhc.gov.cn/
News
April 25: Daily briefing on novel coronavirus cases in China
2020-04-24
On April 23, 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 6 new cases of confirmed infections (2 imported cases and 4 indigenous cases, 3 in Heilongjiang province and 1 in Guangdong province), 2 new cases of suspected infections (both are imported cases in Shanghai municipality), and no deaths. 50 patients were released from hospital after being cured. 607 people who had had close contact with infected patients were freed from medical observation. Serious cases decreased by 6…

Unity and cooperation are the international community’s most potent weapon to overcome the pandemic
2020-04-22

China to donate another 30 mln USD supporting WHO’s fight against COVID-19
2020-04-24
BEIJING — China decided to donate another 30 million U.S. dollars to the World Health Organization (WHO) in support of global efforts to fight COVID-19 and the construction of public health systems in developing countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here on April 23.
Spokesperson Geng Shuang told a news briefing that the WHO, led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, had actively fulfilled its duties with objective, science-based and fair position and played an important role in assisting countries in responding to the outbreak and boosting international cooperation on COVID-19.
Geng said to support the WHO is to defend the principles of multilateralism and safeguard the status and authority of the United Nations at a crucial time of the battle against the pandemic, adding that the virus is the common enemy of humankind, and the international community can only defeat it through unity and cooperation.
In March, China donated 20 million dollars to the WHO to support the global fight against COVID-19…

China makes achievements in vaccination work
2020-04-22
BEIJING — China has maintained a vaccination rate of above 90 percent for vaccines under the national immunization program, according to a health official on April 21.
Currently, there are 15 vaccines provided for children for free in China, and the country has also been expanding the variety of vaccines under its immunization program, said Wang Bin, an official with the National Health Commission, at a press conference in Beijing.
Noting that people now have a deeper understanding of vaccines’ function, Wang stressed that vaccination is the most effective and economical way of preventing infectious diseases…

Announcements

 
 
Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group    [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/frontiers-group/news-press/
Press Release
No new digest content identified.
 
 
BMGF – Gates Foundation  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute    [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.gatesmri.org/
The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute is a non-profit biotech organization. Our mission is to develop products to fight malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases—three major causes of mortality, poverty, and inequality in developing countries. The world has unprecedented scientific tools at its disposal; now is the time to use them to save the lives of the world’s poorest people
No new digest content identified.
 
 
CARB-X   [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://carb-x.org/
CARB-X is a non-profit public-private partnership dedicated to accelerating antibacterial research to tackle the global rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria.
No new digest content identified.
 
 
CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://cepi.net/
Latest News
Landmark global collaboration launched to defeat COVID-19 pandemic
Global leaders unite to launch Access to COVID-19 Tool (ACT) accelerator
COVID-19
24 Apr 2020
 
 
Oxford University vaccine against COVID-19 starts clinical tests
Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is the third CEPI-funded programme to enter phase 1 trials
COVID-19
23 Apr 2020
 
 
Saudi Arabia pledges US$150 million to CEPI COVID-19 response
Contribution from Saudi Arabia will help CEPI continue its rapid progress towards developing a vaccine.
COVID-19
21 Apr 2020
 
 
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI)  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://clintonhealthaccess.org/
News & Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
EDCTP    [to 25 Apr 2020]

http://www.edctp.org/

The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) aims to accelerate the development of new or improved drugs, vaccines, microbicides and diagnostics against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as well as other poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on phase II and III clinical trials
Latest news
25 April 2020
World Malaria Day 2020
On World Malaria Day 2020, the fight against malaria is facing stalled progress and a disruptive pandemic while the road to malaria eradication is still long and complex. This World Malaria Day is a call to keep malaria on the…
 
 
Emory Vaccine Center    [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.vaccines.emory.edu/
No new digest content identified.
 
 
European Medicines Agency  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/
News & Press Releases
News: EU actions to support availability of medicines during COVID-19 pandemic – update #3
Last updated: 24/04/2020
Press release: Reporting suspected side effects of medicines in patients with COVID-19
Last updated: 24/04/2020
News: COVID-19: reminder of risk of serious side effects with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
Last updated: 23/04/2020
 
 
News: Launch of enhanced monitoring system for availability of medicines used for treating COVID-19
Last updated: 21/04/2020
 
 
News: Update to guidance on regulatory expectations in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
Last updated: 20/04/2020
 
 European Vaccine Initiative  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.euvaccine.eu/news-events
Latest News
World Malaria Day 2020

24 April 2020

EVI remains firmly committed to supporting malaria vaccine development
 
 
FDA [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/default.htm
Press Announcements
April 24, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup April 24, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the following actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic:
:: Today, the FDA issued an immediately in effect guidance, Enforcement Policy for Remote Digital Pathology Devices During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, to help expand the availability of devices for remote reviewing and reporting of scanned digital images of pathology slides during this public health emergency. Increased availability of these devices may help to facilitate continuity of patient care by preventing disruptions to critical pathology services rendered by clinical laboratories, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, and reduce healthcare personnel contact and risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
:: Today, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication regarding known side effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, including serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problems, that have been reported with their use for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, for which they are not approved by the FDA. These risks, which are in the drug labels for their approved uses, may be mitigated when health care professionals closely screen and supervise these patients such as in a hospital setting or a clinical trial, as indicated in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for these drugs to treat COVID-19.
:: The FDA and Federal Trade Commission issued a warning letter to a seller of fraudulent COVID-19 products, as part of the agency’s effort to protect consumers. The seller warned, Prefense LLC, offers unapproved and misbranded hand sanitizer products for sale in the U.S. with misleading claims that the products are safe and/or effective for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. There are currently no FDA-approved products to prevent or treat COVID-19. Consumers concerned about COVID-19 should consult with their health care provider.

:: Diagnostics update to date:
. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has worked with more than 380 test developers who have said they will be submitting emergency use authorizations (EUA) requests to FDA for tests that detect the virus.
. To date, the FDA has issued 44 individual emergency use authorizations for test kit manufacturers and laboratories. In addition, 19 authorized tests have been added to the EUA letter of authorization for high complexity molecular-based laboratory developed tests (LDTs).
. The FDA has been notified that more than 225 laboratories have begun testing under the policies set forth in our COVID-19 Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 during the Public Health Emergency Guidance.
. The FDA also continues to keep its COVID-19 Diagnostics FAQ up to date.
 
 
April 24, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Reiterates Importance of Close Patient Supervision for ‘Off-Label’ Use of Antimalarial Drugs to Mitigate Known Risks, Including Heart Rhythm Problems
 
 
Fondation Merieux  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.fondation-merieux.org/
News, Events
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Gavi [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.gavi.org/
Top Stories
24 April 2020
Gavi and global health actors collaborate to accelerate COVID-19 technologies for all
:: Goal of new global ACT Accelerator is to make COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines available to everybody that needs them as quickly as possible
:: Alongside Gavi, the other foundational groups within the collaboration are the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), The Global Fund, UNITAID, the Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization (WHO)
:: Gavi is helping countries to tackle the pandemic and maintain life-saving immunisation programmes and is ready to contribute to the global response at all stages from development through to production and delivery
 
 
GHIT Fund   [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.ghitfund.org/newsroom/press
GHIT was set up in 2012 with the aim of developing new tools to tackle infectious diseases that No new digest content identified.
 
 
Global Fund  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/
News & Stories
All the More United in Our Fight Against Malaria
24 April 2020
 
 
Updates
COVID-19 Response: Monitoring Approach and Information Collection
22 April 2020
 
 
Funding Model
COVID-19 Response Mechanism Application Materials
22 April 2020
 
 
Sourcing & Management of Health Products
COVID-19 Response: Health Product Supply Update for Principal Recipients
22 April 2020
 
 
Updates
Youth Council Members
22 April 2020
 
 
Hilleman Laboratories   [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.hillemanlabs.org/
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Human Vaccines Project   [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.humanvaccinesproject.org/media/press-releases/
Press Releases
Human Vaccines Project Launches Global Initiative to Accelerate the Development of COVID-19 Vaccines for Those Most Vulnerable
Apr 23, 2020
 
 
IAVI  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.iavi.org/newsroom
Press Releases
April 22, 2020
Japan’s Commitment to Contribute to the World Bank for COVID-19 Vaccine Research Sets Example and Will Advance Global Health, IAVI Says
NEW YORK – APRIL 22, 2020 – The Government of Japan announced to the World Bank/International Monetary Fund Development Committee on April 17, in partnership with the World Bank, its commitment to contribute $10 million (USD) to IAVI’s COVID-19 vaccine development program.
The announcement follows years of leadership from the Government of Japan, which has provided significant investment in HIV/AIDS vaccine research, in partnership with the World Bank, through it support of IAVI’s work on the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) technology; this support has enabled this platform technology to now be applied to a range of pressing global health threats, including COVID-19. The World Bank has been a key partner to IAVI since the organization was founded nearly 25 years ago.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan and the World Bank for this important commitment to advance COVID-19 vaccine research,” said Mark Feinberg, M.D., Ph.D., IAVI president and CEO…
 
 International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities [ICMRA]
http://www.icmra.info/drupal/en/news
Selected Statements, Press Releases, Research
No new digest content identified.
 
 
International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association [IGBA]
https://www.igbamedicines.org/
News
ACCESS TO COVID-19 TOOLS (ACT) ACCELERATOR” – IGBA is Joining Forces on Global Collaboration to Overcome COVID-19
(24 April 2020)
GBA, the International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA), representing global manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines, today endorses the commitment and call to action by an initial group of global health actors, private sector partners and other stakeholders, to launch an unprecedented global and time-limited collaboration to accelerate the development, production and equitable global access to new COVID-19 essential health technologies.
 
 
IFFIm
http://www.iffim.org/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 IFRC   [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/news/press-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Announcements
Global
“COVID-19 a wake-up call to international community. Urgent need for global solidarity to prevent poverty and food insecurity around the world,” says IFRC President
New York/Geneva, 24 April 2020 – Following his briefings to UN permanent missions this week, Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), stressed the importance of communities coming togeth …
 
 
IVAC  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/ivac/index.html
Updates
No new digest content identified.
 
 
IVI   [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.ivi.int/
Selected IVI News & Announcements
LINE and International Vaccine Institute Team Up to Promote the Importance of Vaccination
:: LINE to offer an Official Account to IVI to promote the importance of vaccines and vaccination, as well as feature educational contents starring IVI Goodwill Ambassador Henry Lau
:: LINE FRIENDS’ BT21 character IVI sticker set to be launched in the first half of the year to raise funds for child immunization initiatives
:: Together, LINE and IVI look to establish closer connections with local communities and change people’s lives for the better by communicating on public health topics
April 23, 2020
 
 
JEE Alliance  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.jeealliance.org/
Selected News and Events
No new digest content identified.
 
 
MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.msf.org/
Latest [Selected Announcements]
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Why protecting and supporting staff in care homes during COVID-…
Voices from the Field 24 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Out of view, but not out of mind: MSF’s response to COVID-19 in care h…
Project Update 24 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Vulnerable communities in the US in urgent need of protection from COVI…
Project Update 24 Apr 2020
 
 
Palestine
Like a virus, violence spreads in the West Bank amid COVID-19
Project Update 23 Apr 2020
 
 
DRC Ebola outbreaks
New Ebola cases confirmed in DRC days before expected end of…
Project Update 23 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
A race against the pandemic – MSF COVID-19 crisis update
Crisis Update 23 Apr 2020
 
 
DRC Ebola outbreaks
Crisis update – April 2020
Crisis Update 23 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
MSF launches a COVID-19 emergency response in Timergara,…
Project Update 22 Apr 2020
 
 
Rohingya refugee crisis
Rohingya refugees left to starve at sea
Voices from the Field 22 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
MSF provides care to vulnerable people during COVID-19 response in …[Brazil]
Project Update 22 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Concerns mount over COVID-19 response in northeast Syria
Press Release 22 Apr 2020
 
 
Burkina Faso
COVID-19 will worsen access to healthcare in Burkina Faso
Project Update 21 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
MSF provides support to hospitals and sites in response to COVID-19 …[Sudan]
Project Update 20 Apr 2020
 
 
National Vaccine Program Office – U.S. HHS  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.hhs.gov/vaccines/about/index.html
NVAC 2020 Meetings
June 9-10, 2020 NVAC Meeting
September 23-24, 2020 Meeting (Virtual)
 
 
NIH  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases
Selected News Releases
NIAID strategic plan details COVID-19 research priorities
April 23, 2020 — Urgent public health measures are needed to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
[See COVID-19 R&D above for detail]
 
 
Expert U.S. panel develops NIH treatment guidelines for COVID-19
April 21, 2020 — “Living document” expected to be updated often as new clinical data accrue.
A panel of U.S. physicians, statisticians, and other experts has developed treatment guidelines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These guidelines, intended for healthcare providers, are based on published and preliminary data and the clinical expertise of the panelists, many of whom are frontline clinicians caring for patients during the rapidly evolving pandemic. The guidelines are posted online (covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov) and will be updated often as new data are published in peer-reviewed scientific literature and other authoritative information emerges…
 
 
PATH  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.path.org/media-center/
Selected Announcements
PATH and partners develop and market environmental surveillance tool for polio eradication
April 23, 2020 by PATH
Partnership ensures global access to an improved filtration system designed to detect poliovirus — and potentially COVID-19
Seattle, Washington, USA, April 27, 2020 — This month, PATH, the University of Washington (UW), and Scientific Methods Inc. (SMI), a subsidiary of the Institute for Environmental Health Laboratories, announced the commercial launch of the bag-mediated filtration system (BMFS) to support environmental surveillance of poliovirus (PV). The innovative new system is validated for the sensitive capture and detection of PV, and the use of the system for other viruses is expected to be equally effective. The tool strengthens environmental surveillance efforts in support of the global eradication of polio and potentially in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the filter can capture both viruses at the same time from a sample…
 
 
Sabin Vaccine Institute  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases
Statements and Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 UNAIDS [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.unaids.org/en
Selected Press Releases/Reports/Statements
24 April 2020
COVID-19 responses must uphold and protect the human rights of sex workers
 
 
21 April 2020
Sex workers adapting to COVID-19
 
 
20 April 2020
Wide differences in incidence–prevalence ratio by region
 
 UNICEF  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.unicef.org/media/press-releases
Press release
COVID-19: UNICEF is scaling up delivery of health and hygiene supplies across Latin America and Caribbean
25/04/2020
 
 
Press release
Over 13 million children did not receive any vaccines at all even before COVID-19 disrupted global immunization – UNICEF
Mass measles immunization campaigns suspended in 25 largely high-burden countries due to pandemic
24/04/2020
 
 
Press release
Thousands of Pacific Island children at risk in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold
24/04/2020
 
 
Press release
World’s most defiantly joyful song rereleased by UNICEF
Mama Africa’s smash-hit “Pata Pata” rerecorded by Angelique Kidjo to to spread information and hope in a time of Coronavirus
22/04/2020
 
 
Press release
UNICEF supports the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in continuing immunization in North Kivu during COVID-19
21/04/2020
 
 
Statement
UN agencies issue urgent call to fund the global emergency supply system to fight COVID-19
21/04/2020
 
 
Press release
Global Report on Food Crises reveals scope of food crises as COVID-19 poses new risks to vulnerable countries
Annual report on acute food insecurity and malnutrition published today
21/04/2020
 
 
Statement
As COVID-19 pandemic continues, forcibly displaced children need more support than ever
Joint statement by Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, and Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
20/04/2020
 
 
Press release
UNICEF and Microsoft launch global learning platform to help address COVID-19 education crisis
As school closures in more than 190 countries force over 1.57 billion students from their classrooms, the Learning Passport aims to keep children learning
20/04/2020
 
 
Unitaid  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://unitaid.org/#en
Featured News
24 April 2020
Unitaid responds to global call to action partnership for COVID-19
 
 
24 April 2020
Unitaid reaffirms its commitment to confront malaria in the context of COVID-19
 
 
Vaccination Acceptance Research Network (VARN)  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://vaccineacceptance.org/news.html#header1-2r
Announcements
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Vaccine Confidence Project  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.vaccineconfidence.org/
Latest News & Archive
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Vaccine Education Center – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center
April 2020
Announcements: Updated and new info, essay contest, coronavirus Q&A webpage and archived webinar
 
 
Wellcome Trust  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://wellcome.ac.uk/news
Opinion | 24 April 2020
Why the world needs $8 billion now to get us to COVID-Zero
Jeremy Farrar, Director Wellcome
Only when we have tools to detect, treat and prevent coronavirus disease everywhere, will we be able to stop the pandemic. Developing these tools requires new global partnerships and cooperation.
[See COVID-19 Perspectives above for detail]
 
 
Opinion | 24 April 2020
Developing a vaccine for COVID-19: what can we learn from past outbreaks?
by Charlie Weller
 
 
Explainer | 22 April 2020
How can we develop a COVID-19 vaccine quickly?
A vaccine would be an incredibly powerful tool to slow down the coronavirus pandemic. This is how vaccine development needs to change to get to a COVID-19 vaccine.
 
 
The Wistar Institute   [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.wistar.org/news/press-releases
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
WFPHA: World Federation of Public Health Associations  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.wfpha.org/
Latest News
WFPHA Press Release: Endorse The InterAction Council’s Global Responsibilities and an Emergency Framework for Countries and Communities
Friday, 24 April 2020
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is pleased to endorse the InterAction Council of former heads of state and government’s Global Responsibilities and an Emergency Framework for Countries and Communities.

The InterAction Council’s framework aligns well with the WFPHA’s guiding principles of solidarity, social justice, human rights, equity, evidenced-informed policy and practice, and the need to address the underlying socio-economic, commercial, human rights-related and political determinants of health. The WFPHA’s Global Charter for the Public’s Health aligns well with and supports the Framework’s elements. Besides calling for strengthening the primary elements of public health (disease and injury prevention, health promotion and health protection) and health system operations and measures, the Framework recommends an all-of-society approach across all sectors for future pandemic and emergency responses.

Please read full document here.
 
 
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)   [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.oie.int/en/for-the-media/press-releases/2020/
Press Releases
24/04/20
Responding to the COVID-19 crisis: the contribution of the veterinary profession
In the face of the current pandemic, solidarity is key. On the occasion of World Veterinary Day, which will be held on April 25th, the OIE pays tribute to the great effort made by the veterinary profession to support the human health sector, from research to human sample testing, as well as provision of human and material resources.
…This pandemic awakens the need for longstanding and sustainable One Health collaboration which can take many forms.
Beyond collaborative research, the animal health sector, and in particular, Veterinary Services, contribute in various ways towards building a common response to the pandemic. In many countries, veterinarians have shown their commitment to support the work of human health authorities. Veterinary laboratories have used their experience and expertise in high throughput testing capacity of infectious diseases to engage in activities such as surveillance screening, by testing human samples, thereby supporting the diagnostic capacity of human health services. Some veterinary clinics have been donating essential materials such as personal protective equipment and ventilators. Veterinary professionals have also been volunteering in hospitals and laboratories when human resources were not sufficient. In some countries, veterinary epidemiologists have been supporting their counterparts in the public health response to track the disease in humans and to support the development of effective public health interventions…

::::::
 
 
ARM [Alliance for Regenerative Medicine]  [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://alliancerm.org/press-releases/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
BIO    [to 25 Apr 2020]
https://www.bio.org/press-releases
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
DCVMN – Developing Country Vaccine Manufacturers Network  [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.dcvmn.org/
News
COVID 19 Resources
 
 
IFPMA   [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.ifpma.org/resources/news-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Statements, Publications
Pharma industry body joins as founding partner a new global collaboration to accelerate the development, production and equitable access to new COVID-19 tools
Published on: 24 April 2020
[See COVID-19 R&D above for detail]
 
 
IFPMA Backgrounder – COVID-19
24 April 2020
[See COVID-19 R&D above for detail]
 
 
 
PhRMA    [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.phrma.org/
Selected Press Releases, Statements
New report shows nearly 260 vaccines in development, including dozens for COVID-19
Andrew Powaleny   |     April 23, 2020
[See COVID-19 R&D above for detail]

Journal Watch
Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review continues its weekly scanning of key peer-reviewed journals to identify and cite articles, commentary and editorials, books reviews and other content supporting our focu-s on vaccine ethics and policy. Journal Watch is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicative of themes and issues the Center is actively tracking. We selectively provide full text of some editorial and comment articles that are specifically relevant to our work. Successful access to some of the links provided may require subscription or other access arrangement unique to the publisher.
If you would like to suggest other journal titles to include in this service, please contact David Curry at: david.r.curry@centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.org

Annals of Internal Medicine
21 April 2020 Vol: 172, Issue 8
http://annals.org/aim/issue

Ideas and Opinions |21 April 2020
Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases: Should Travel Be the Fifth Vital Sign? Free
Trish M. Perl, MD, MSc; Connie Savor Price, MD

BMC Health Services Research
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmchealthservres/content
(Accessed 25 Apr 2020)

National Immunization Program Information System: implementation context assessment
The National Immunization Program Information System (SIPNI – Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização) in Brazil is a technological innovation management tool that enhances the performance of man…
Authors: Brener Santos Silva, Eliete Albano de Azevedo Guimarães, Valéria Conceição de Oliveira, Ricardo Bezerra Cavalcante, Marta Macedo Kerr Pinheiro, Tarcísio Laerte Gontijo, Samuel Barroso Rodrigues, Ana Paula Ferreira, Humberto Ferreira de Oliveira Quites and Ione Carvalho Pinto
Citation: BMC Health Services Research 2020 20:333
Content type: Research article
Published on: 21 April 2020

BMC Public Health
http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles
(Accessed 25 Apr 2020)

Documentation of vaccine wastage in two different geographic contexts under the universal immunization program in India
Government of India is introducing new and relatively costly vaccines under immunization program. Monitoring of vaccine wastage is needed to guide the program implementation and forecasting. Under pilot introd…
Authors: Manoja Kumar Das, Mangla Sood, Muralidhar Parashuram Tambe, Thakur Dutt Sharma, Malangori Abdul Gani Parande, Jitendra Bhaskar Surwade, Nandakumar Manikrao Salunkhe, Shital Somsing Patil, Bhagwan Pawar, Rajesh Guleri, Chitra Kaushal and Monica Sindhu
Citation: BMC Public Health 2020 20:556
Content type: Research article
Published on: 25 April 2020

The CRISPR Journal
Volume 3, Issue 2 / April 2020
https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/crispr/3/2

Editorial Free
COVID-19 and the CRISPR Community Response
Kevin Davies and Rodolphe Barrangou
Pages:66–67
Published Online:21 April 2020

The CRISPR Journal
Volume 3, Issue 2 / April 2020
https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/crispr/3/2

Interview Free
The CRISPR-RNA World: An Interview with Martin Jínek
Kevin Davies and Martin Jínek
Pages:68–72
Published Online:21 April 2020

The CRISPR Journal
Volume 3, Issue 2 / April 2020
https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/crispr/3/2

Perspective
Ethics and Global Governance of Human Germline Genome Editing: The Problem of Techno-Scientific Colonialist Paternalism
Gabriela Arguedas-Ramírez
Pages:83–88
Published Online:21 April 2020
https://doi.org/10.1089/crispr.2019.0045
Abstract
I want to enrich the debate about the ethics and governance of human germline editing (HGE) by emphasizing an underappreciated, yet important, set of concerns regarding exclusionary practices, norms, and efforts that impede a broader discussion about the subject. The possibility for establishing a binding, global, regulatory framework is influenced by economic and geopolitical factors as well as historical processes and sociopolitical problems, such as anti-scientific social movements and the politicization of science. Likewise, it is influenced by different understanding, epistemic resources, and goals between the CRISPR/genome editing community and the rest of society. In this Perspective, I explain the concept of “techno-scientific colonialist paternalism” and why it negatively affects our discussion around HGE. I also discuss the pitfalls of scientific self-regulation, and finally, I advocate that the implementation of HGE should cease to allow time and care for a thoughtful global discussion to emerge.

Globalization and Health
http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

The north-south policy divide in transnational healthcare: a comparative review of policy research on medical tourism in source and destination countries
Authors: Altaf Virani, Adam M. Wellstead and Michael Howlett
Content type: Review
22 April 2020

Health Research Policy and Systems
http://www.health-policy-systems.com/content
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

Questions for future evidence-informed policy initiatives: insights from the evolution and aspirations of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups
Attention to evidence-informed policy has grown; however, efforts to strengthen the quality and use of evidence are not starting from a blank slate. Changes in health architectures and financing pose different considerations for investments in evidence-informed policy than in the past. We identify major trends that have shifted the environment in which health policies are made, and use the evolution and future aspirations of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) in low- and middle-income countries to identify questions the sector must confront when determining how best to structure and strengthen evidence-informed health policy.
Authors: Anne L. Buffardi and Susan Njambi-Szlapka
Content type: Commentary
22 April 2020

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (formerly Human Vaccines)
Volume 16, Issue 4, 2020
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/khvi20/current

Article
Evaluating impact of school outreach vaccination programme in Hong Kong influenza season 2018 – 2019
Yu Lung Lau, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Sonal R. Hattangdi-Haridas & Chun Bong Chow
Pages: 823-826
Published online: 30 Oct 2019

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (formerly Human Vaccines)
Volume 16, Issue 4, 2020
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/khvi20/current

Article
Public health and economic impact of switching from a trivalent to a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in Mexico
Guillermo M. Ruiz-Palacios, John H. Beigel, Maria Lourdes Guerrero, Lucile Bellier, Ramiro Tamayo, Patricia Cervantes, Fabián P. Alvarez, Arturo Galindo-Fraga, Felipe Aguilar-Ituarte & Juan Guillermo Lopez
Pages: 827-835
Published online: 18 Dec 2019

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (formerly Human Vaccines)
Volume 16, Issue 4, 2020
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/khvi20/current

Article
Description of vaccine clinical trials in Africa: a narrative review
Duduzile Ndwandwe, Kopano Dube, Lindi Mathebula & Charles S. Wiysonge
Pages: 972-980
Published online: 12 Dec 2019
ABSTRACT
Clinical research is important in establishing the effects of health-care interventions. Vaccine clinical trials are to examine the effectiveness and safety of vaccines for the prevention of diseases. Africa has a high burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola virus disease. Here we report a database surveillance study of vaccine-related clinical trials conducted in Africa. An objective is to address and profile vaccine clinical trials conducted in Africa. Data were extracted from the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 22 July 2018 and updated on 05 September 2019. We found that 61% of the 377 clinical trials were registered prospectively and 35% registered retrospectively. About 72% of the trials were single-country studies and within the country, most trials (86%) were single-center studies. The proportion of trials involving multiple African countries was 11% and that of trials involving countries outside of Africa was 16%. The biggest funder of the vaccine trials (34%) was industry, followed by governments (25%) and universities (21%). The most studied diseases were malaria (20%), HIV/AIDS (15%), tuberculosis (7%), and Ebola virus disease (6%). Most of the vaccine trials were conducted in adults (42%). The trials ranged from phase I to phase IV, with most of the trials being in phase I (18%) and phase III (18%). The conduct of vaccine clinical trials in Africa seeks to address the disease epidemics faced by the continent. There is a need for more investments from governmental bodies toward vaccine research in Africa. Further, African country collaborations are needed in efforts to find African solutions to the current infectious disease threats faced by the continent.

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (formerly Human Vaccines)
Volume 16, Issue 4, 2020
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/khvi20/current

Review
Towards adult vaccination in India: a narrative literature review
Resham Dash, Ashish Agrawal, Vasant Nagvekar, Jayesh Lele, Alberta Di Pasquale, Shafi Kolhapure & Raunak Parikh
Pages: 991-1001
Published online: 02 Dec 2019

Infectious Diseases of Poverty
http://www.idpjournal.com/content
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

Documentary research on social innovation in health in Latin America
Authors: Diana María Castro-Arroyave and Luisa Fernanda Duque-Paz
Content type: Scoping Review
22 April 2020

Infectious Diseases of Poverty
http://www.idpjournal.com/content
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

What did we learn from preparing for cross-border transmission of Ebola virus disease into a complex humanitarian setting – The Republic of South Sudan?
Authors: Olushayo Oluseun Olu, Richard Lako, Joseph Francis Wamala, Patrick Otim Ramadan, Caroline Ryan, Ifeanyi Udenweze, Kibebu Berta, Argata Guracha Guyo, Alex Sokemawu, Michael Tukuru, Henry John Gray and Alex Chimbaru
Content type: Commentary
21 April 2020

International Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020
https://academic.oup.com/ije/issue/49/Supplement_1

Big Data, Small Area
Using large and complex datasets for small-area environment-health studies: from theory to practice
Frédéric B Piel, Samantha Cockings
Int J Epidemiol, Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020, Pages i1–i3, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyaa018

International Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020
https://academic.oup.com/ije/issue/49/Supplement_1

Availability, access, analysis and dissemination of small-area data
Susan Hodgson, Daniela Fecht, John Gulliver, Hima Iyathooray Daby, Frédéric B Piel …
Int J Epidemiol, Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020, Pages i4–i14, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz051

International Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020
https://academic.oup.com/ije/issue/49/Supplement_1

Software application profile: the Rapid Inquiry Facility 4.0: an open access tool for environmental public health tracking
Frédéric B Piel, Brandon Parkes, Peter Hambly, Aina Roca-Barceló, Martin McCallion …
Int J Epidemiol, Volume 49, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020, Pages i38–i48, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz094

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Original Investigation
Epidemiologic Features and Clinical Course of Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 in Singapore
Barnaby Edward Young, MB, BChir; Sean Wei Xiang Ong, MBBS; Shirin Kalimuddin, MPH; et al.
free access has active quiz
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1488-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3204
This case series describes the epidemiologic features, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of the first 18 patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Research Letter
Positive RT-PCR Test Results in Patients Recovered From COVID-19
Lan Lan, MD; Dan Xu, MD; Guangming Ye, MD; et al.
free access has active quiz has audio
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1502-1503. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.2783
This case series describes reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results in 4 health professionals discharged from hospitalization or quarantine after 2 negative RT-PCR test results and resolution of clinical COVID-19 infection.
Audio Interview: COVID-19 Update With NIAID’s Anthony Fauci, MD; March 6, 2020
Clinical Review Audio: Update on Coronavirus: March 6, 2020, by NIAID’s Anthony Fauci, MD
Clinical Review Audio: COVID-19 in Seattle: Clinical Features and Managing the Outbreak
Audio Interview: Coronavirus Testing – March 16 Q&A with the CDC’s Jay Butler, MD
Clinical Review Audio: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update: PCR Testing and Shortages
Editorial
Editorial Concern—Possible Reporting of the Same Patients With COVID-19 in Different Reports
Howard Bauchner, MD; Robert M. Golub, MD; Jody Zylke, MD

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Viewpoint
Diagnostic Testing for the Novel Coronavirus
Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD; Scott J. Becker, MS; Michelle M. Mello, JD, PhD
free access has active quiz has multimedia has audio
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1437-1438. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3864
This Viewpoint explains the technical and regulatory challenges that hampered diagnostic testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the early spread of infection in the US and considers the unintended consequences of making testing more widely available, including false-negative results and overtesting.
Audio Interview: Coronavirus Testing – March 16 Q&A with the CDC’s Jay Butler, MD
Clinical Review Audio: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update: PCR Testing and Shortages

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Viewpoint
Supporting the Health Care Workforce During the COVID-19 Global Epidemic
James G. Adams, MD; Ron M. Walls, MD
free access has active quiz has audio
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1439-1440. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3972
This Viewpoint discusses the importance of protecting health care workers caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and measures that can be taken in and out of the hospital to prevent their and their families’ exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Clinical Review Audio: The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinic Operations
Clinical Review Audio: COVID-19 in Seattle: Clinical Features and Managing the Outbreak
Clinical Review Audio: COVID-19: Applying What Was Learned by SARS to a Modern Pandemic
Editorial
Health Care Heroes of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Howard Bauchner, MD; Thomas J. Easley; on behalf of the entire editorial and publishing staff of JAMA and the JAMA Network

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Viewpoint
From Containment to Mitigation of COVID-19 in the US
Stephen M. Parodi, MD; Vincent X. Liu, MD, MSc
free access has active quiz has multimedia has audio
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1441-1442. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3882
This Viewpoint discusses Kaiser Permanente in Northern California’s transition from a containment strategy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—isolation or quarantine of exposed or infected patients—to a mitigation strategy comprising elements such as droplet and airborne precautions, telemedicine, staffing protocol revisions, and equipment allocation planning.
Clinical Review Audio: COVID-19 in Seattle: Clinical Features and Managing the Outbreak
Audio Interview: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Mitigation: Preparing Hospitals and Health Systems

JAMA
April 21, 2020, Vol 323, No. 15, Pages 1427-1518
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Clinical Update
Care for Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19
Srinivas Murthy, MD, CM, MHSc; Charles D. Gomersall, MBBS; Robert A. Fowler, MD, CM, MSc
free access has active quiz has audio
JAMA. 2020;323(15):1499-1500. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3633
This JAMA Insights article reviews care for the most severely ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including standards of management of ARDS, preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread in health care settings, and surge preparation.
Clinical Review Audio: COVID-19 in Seattle: Clinical Features and Managing the Outbreak

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice
https://joppp.biomedcentral.com/
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

Articles
Pharmacists at the frontline beating the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nadia Bukhari, Huma Rasheed, Bismah Nayyer and Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
Content type: Editorial
20 April 2020
Abstract
As the lockdowns are being observed all over the globe and the national level pharmacy professionals are performing frontline roles, this editorial highlights the role of pharmacists in the COVID − 19 pandemic. Pharmacists globally are providing services amidst pandemic, including TRIAGE services, seeing patients and reducing the patients’ burden on health care facilities such as hospitals and GP practices. Pharmacists are also working to providing home deliveries, as well as dealing with the increasing number of patients coming through to pharmacies with the other ailments. Pharmacy associations have issued their guidelines and in this editorial, several global examples of pharmacists’ role in the COVID 19 are being discussed. Pakistan is used as a country case study in this editorial. The editorial also elaborates how pharmacists in the UK and Pakistan have teamed up together to compile 10-steps protection guidelines for the pharmacy teams in Pakistan in English and Urdu language. This 10-point guidance educates community pharmacies for safety and standard operation as the number of patients in the country continues to rise. These guidelines are endorsed by the government and private bodies. These can be adopted and adapted by any country; keeping in view their laws and regulations.

The Lancet
Apr 25, 2020 Volume 395Number 10233p1315-1400, e67-e74
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Editorial
India under COVID-19 lockdown
The Lancet

The Lancet
Apr 25, 2020 Volume 395Number 10233p1315-1400, e67-e74
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Comment
Beware of the second wave of COVID-19
Shunqing Xu, Yuanyuan Li

The Lancet
Apr 25, 2020 Volume 395Number 10233p1315-1400, e67-e74
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Articles
First-wave COVID-19 transmissibility and severity in China outside Hubei after control measures, and second-wave scenario planning: a modelling impact assessment
Kathy Leung, Joseph T Wu, Di Liu, Gabriel M Leung

Nature
Volume 580 Issue 7804, 23 April 2020
http://www.nature.com/nature/current_issue.html

Editorial | 17 April 2020
Withholding funding from the World Health Organization is wrong and dangerous, and must be reversed
Researchers everywhere must continue to press their lawmakers to act now and challenge US President Donald Trump’s undermining of the global health agency.

Nature
Volume 580 Issue 7804, 23 April 2020
http://www.nature.com/nature/current_issue.html

News | 15 April 2020
China is tightening its grip on coronavirus research
Some scientists welcome government vetting because it could stop poor-quality COVID-19 papers being published – others fear it is an attempt to control information.
Andrew Silver  & David Cyranoski

New England Journal of Medicine
April 23, 2020 Vol. 382 No. 17
http://www.nejm.org/toc/nejm/medical-journal

Perspective
The Invisible Hand — Medical Care during the Pandemic
Michelle M. Kittleson, M.D., Ph.D.

PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

Knowledge, risk of infection, and vaccination status of hepatitis B virus among rural high school students in Nanumba North and South Districts of Ghana
Awolu Adam, Adam Fusheini
Research Article | published 22 Apr 2020 PLOS ONE
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231930

Reproductive Health
http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH): a key issue in the emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) outbreak
Authors: Kun Tang, Junjian Gaoshan and Babatunde Ahonsi
Content type: Commentary
23 April 2020

Science
24 April 2020 Vol 368, Issue 6489
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Editorial
Why WHO?
By H. Holden Thorp
Summary
Pandemics are international. A virus doesn’t respect borders between countries—or between states, as we are seeing with severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States. Unfortunately, too many world leaders want to treat the situation as a problem for their nation alone and not the world.

Science
24 April 2020 Vol 368, Issue 6489
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Research Articles
The effect of travel restrictions on the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
By Matteo Chinazzi, Jessica T. Davis, Marco Ajelli, Corrado Gioannini, Maria Litvinova, Stefano Merler, Ana Pastore y Piontti, Kunpeng Mu, Luca Rossi, Kaiyuan Sun, Cécile Viboud, Xinyue Xiong, Hongjie Yu, M. Elizabeth Halloran, Ira M. Longini Jr., Alessandro Vespignani
Science24 Apr 2020 : 395-400 Open Access CCBY
A SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological model reveals the effects of travel restrictions and transmission reduction efforts on the spread of this novel virus.

Science
24 April 2020 Vol 368, Issue 6489
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Evolving epidemiology of poliovirus serotype 2 following withdrawal of the serotype 2 oral poliovirus vaccine
By G. R. Macklin, K. M. O’Reilly, N. C. Grassly, W. J. Edmunds, O. Mach, R. Santhana Gopala Krishnan, A. Voorman, J. F. Vertefeuille, J. Abdelwahab, N. Gumede, A. Goel, S. Sosler, J. Sever, A. S. Bandyopadhyay, M. A. Pallansch, R. Nandy, P. Mkanda, O. M. Diop, R. W. Sutter

Science24 Apr 2020 : 401-405 Full Access
Outbreaks of serotype 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus can be traced to use of the oral poliovirus vaccine in outbreak response campaigns.

Science Translational Medicine
22 April 2020 Vol 12, Issue 540
https://stm.sciencemag.org/

Perspective
The evidence landscape in precision medicine
By Spencer Phillips Hey, Cory V. Gerlach, Garrett Dunlap, Vinay Prasad, Aaron S. Kesselheim
Science Translational Medicine22 Apr 2020 Restricted Access
Abstract
Precision medicine is beginning to make an impact on the treatment of different diseases, but there are still challenges that must be overcome, such as the complexity of interventions, the need for marker validation, and the level of evidence necessary to demonstrate effectiveness. In this Perspective, we describe how evidence landscapes can help to address these challenges.

Systematic Reviews
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles
[Accessed 25 Apr 2020]

The interplay of HIV and human papillomavirus-related cancers in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review
People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at a high risk of developing HPV-related cancers. HPV-related malignancies occur frequently and/or are high among PLHIV, with cervical cancer as a designated AIDS-defining co…
Authors: Kabelo Matjie Bridget Lekoane, Desmond Kuupiel, Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson and Themba G. Ginindza
Citation: Systematic Reviews 2020 9:88
Content type: Research
Published on: 22 April 2020

Tropical Medicine & International Health
Volume 25, Issue 4 Pages: i-iv, 387-505 April 2020
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/13653156/current

Original Research Papers
Changing trends in measles vaccination status between 2004 and 2014 among children aged 12–23 months in Bangladesh
Yasmin Jahan et al
Pages: 475-482
First Published: 21 December 2019

Vaccine
Volume 38, Issue 19 Pages 3515-3626 (23 April 2020)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/38/issue/19

Research article Open access
Assessment of the long-term efficacy of a dengue vaccine against symptomatic, virologically-confirmed dengue disease by baseline dengue serostatus
Gustavo H. Dayan, Edith Langevin, Peter B. Gilbert, Yukun Wu, … Carlos A. DiazGranados
Pages 3531-3536
Abstract
CYD-TDV is a live, attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine licensed in 21 countries. We undertook a post-hoc analysis of the long-term efficacy of CYD-TDV during the surveillance expansion phase (SEP) of two Phase III studies (CYD14 in the Asia-Pacific region; CYD15 in Latin America). The SEP included approximately Year 5 and the entire Year 6 of follow-up after the first study injection. Vaccine efficacy against symptomatic virologically-confirmed dengue (VCD) was assessed by participant age (any age, ≥9, <9, 2–5, and 6–8 years at the time of the first injection) and baseline dengue serostatus using a case-cohort framework. Baseline dengue serostatus was estimated by several methods including logistic regression-based multiple imputation (MI) to predict PRNT50 with key predictor being Month 13 (M13) anti-non-structural protein (NS1) titers; superlearner-based imputation by targeted minimum loss based estimation (TMLE); and M13 anti-NS1 titer threshold 9 EU/mL (NS1 M13). There were 436 symptomatic VCD cases (CYD14: n = 360; CYD15: n = 76) during the SEP. Vaccine efficacy in seropositive participants aged ≥9 years was assessed by MI (47.9% [95% CI 19.4; 66.3]), TMLE (53.0% [95% CI 23; 71]), and NS1 M13 (52.4% [95% CI 30.8; 67.3]). Vaccine efficacy estimates were lower in seropositive individuals aged <9 years compared with individuals ≥9 years. Among seropositive individuals aged 2–5 and 6–8 years, vaccine efficacy across the different approaches for assessing serostatus ranged from between −25.7 to 36.9% and 44.4 to 64.7% during the SEP, respectively. In the pooled CYD14/15 data of seronegatives, vaccine efficacy was null to modest. In conclusion, CYD-TDV was shown to maintain efficacy against symptomatic VCD in seropositive participants aged ≥9 years up to six years after the first dose. Persistence of efficacy was also observed in seropositive participants aged 6–8 years.

Vaccine
Volume 38, Issue 19 Pages 3515-3626 (23 April 2020)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/38/issue/19

Research article Abstract only
Long-term immunogenicity after yellow fever vaccination in immunosuppressed and healthy individuals
J. Burkhard, A. Ciurea, C. Gabay, P. Hasler, … S. Bühler
Pages 3610-3617

Value in Health
April 2020 Volume 23, Issue 4, p409-526
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/issue/S1098-3015(20)X0005-2

THEMED SECTION: VALUE-BASED CONTRACTING
Is There a Future for Value-Based Contracting?
Joshua P. Cohen
p416–417
Published online: February 28, 2020
Value in healthcare is measured in terms of the patient outcomes achieved per dollars spent. As such, when payers and policy makers measure the output of healthcare systems, it is not the volume of services delivered that matters, but rather the outcomes. In light of this, there has been an uptick in interest in value- or outcomes-based contracts. These contracts are supposed to reflect pay-for-performance arrangements, which reimburse for the value a technology or health service adds when it achieves a certain level of improvement in a patient’s condition.

Value in Health
April 2020 Volume 23, Issue 4, p409-526
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/issue/S1098-3015(20)X0005-2

Pharmaceutical Products and Their Value: Lessons Learned and the Path Ahead
Anna Kaltenboeck
p421–424
Published online: March 29, 2020
Abstract
Steep increases in prices and spending on prescription drugs in the United States have triggered public outrage and questions over their value. Value-based pricing has emerged as a preferred alternative to prices determined by what the market will bear. In response, manufacturers and health plans have begun to publicize their efforts to engage in outcomes-based contracts and long-term financing agreements, which they describe as value-based. Nevertheless, both contracting approaches perpetuate existing distortions in the financial incentives of supply chain and prescribing intermediaries, and fail to realign the prices of drugs to their value to patients, the healthcare system, or society. This commentary describes the challenges of managing drugs according to their value, and describes several alternatives that promise greater impact than contracting strategies.

From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
14 Apr 2020,
Social Impacts among Participants in HIV Vaccine Trial Network (HVTN) preventive HIV vaccine trials.
MP Andrasik, FA Sesay, A Isaacs, L Oseso, M

Open Journal of Preventive Medicine
Vol.10  No.02 (2020), Article ID:99596,35 pages
10.4236/ojpm.2020.102002
Vaccine Coverage of Newly Introduced Vaccines and Factors Influencing among Children Less Than 23 Months in Laikipia North Subcounty [Kenya]

D Mogoi, EM Muchiri, AM Mutuma – 2020

Media/Policy Watch
This watch section is intended to alert readers to substantive news, analysis and opinion from the general media and selected think tanks and similar organizations on vaccines, immunization, global public health and related themes. Media Watch is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicative of themes and issues CVEP is actively tracking. This section will grow from an initial base of newspapers, magazines and blog sources, and is segregated from Journal Watch above which scans the peer-reviewed journal ecology.
We acknowledge the Western/Northern bias in this initial selection of titles and invite suggestions for expanded coverage. We are conservative in our outlook in adding news sources which largely report on primary content we are already covering above. Many electronic media sources have tiered, fee-based subscription models for access. We will provide full-text where content is published without restriction, but most publications require registration and some subscription level.

The Atlantic
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Ideas
How to Protect Civil Liberties in a Pandemic – The Atlantic
Conor Friedersdorf, Staff writer at The Atlantic

A Coronavirus Challenge Trial Is an Ethical Imperative – The Atlantic
Conor Friedersdorf, Staff writer at The Atlantic

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Coronavirus: What is a vaccine and how is one made?
We look at the work needed to create a vaccine and when one might be ready for the coronavirus.
Published 25 Apr 2020

The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/home/uk
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Life & Arts
Richard Horton: ‘It’s the biggest science policy failure in a generation’
April 24 2020
The Lancet editor on Britain’s response to coronavirus — and being labelled a pariah
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/
Apr 25, 2020
A Vaccine Candidate Protects Non-Human Primates From SARS-CoV-2 Infection
A new candidate vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 moves to human trials. Beijing based biotechnology company company, Sinovac, describes protection of macaque monkeys from infection by SARS-CoV-2 by the vaccine candidate.
By William A. Haseltine Contributor

Apr 22, 2020
Coronavirus Vaccine In 12-18 Months Is ‘Ambitious’, Roche CEO Says
The global race to develop a vaccine is on, but getting it to market by the end of 2021 is unlikely, the CEO of the Swiss pharmaceuticals giant suggested on Wednesday.
By Isabel Togoh Forbes Staff

Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020 | [No new, unique, relevant content]

The Guardian
http://www.guardiannews.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Coronavirus outbreak
World leaders agree to cooperate on coronavirus vaccine, but US does not take part – video
Global leaders have pledged to accelerate cooperation on a Covid-19 vaccine and to share research, treatment and medicines around the globe as part of a World Health Organization initiative.
The US did not take part in the pledge, made at a virtual meeting, designed to show that wealthy countries will not keep the results of research from developing countries.
Britain will co-chair a joint coronavirus global response summit on 4 May aimed at raising funds for vaccine research, treatments and tests.

New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Daily Comment
The Dangerous Coronavirus Conspiracy Theories Targeting 5G Technology, Bill Gates, and a World of Fear
If people believe that they are being deceived—or even targeted—by public-health authorities, why would they follow their directives?
By Amy Davidson Sorkin
April 24, 2020

Daily Comment
Trump’s Firing of a Top Infectious-Disease Expert Endangers Us All
Rick Bright was removed after questioning the President’s claim of a miracle cure for COVID-19.
By Michael Specter
April 23, 2020

Q. & A.
Jeffrey Sachs on the Catastrophic American Response to the Coronavirus
The economist Jeffrey Sachs says that President Trump is the “worst political leader” he has seen in forty years of working with governments around the world.
By Isaac Chotiner
April 21, 2020

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Business
Special Report: Countries, Companies Risk Billions in Race for Coronavirus Vaccine
In the race to develop a vaccine to end the COVID-19 pandemic, governments, charities and Big Pharma firms are sinking billions of dollars into bets with extraordinarily low odds of success.
By Reuters April 25, 2020

World
U.S. Says Will Not Take Part in WHO Global Drugs, Vaccine Initiative Launch
The United States will not take part in the launching of a global initiative on Friday to speed the development, production and distribution of drugs and vaccines against COVID-19, a spokesman for the U.S. mission in Geneva told Reuters.
By Reuters April 25, 2020

Europe
Sanofi CEO Warns Europe on Cornavirus Vaccine Race
Sanofi’s chief executive on Friday urged stronger European co-ordination in the hunt for a vaccine against the new coronavirus, criticising Europe for being too slow to act in a fiercely competitive global race.
By Reuters April 24, 2020

Europe
UK Will Host a Global Vaccines Summit on June 4: UK Foreign Minister Raab
Britain will host a virtual international summit on accelerating the development of a vaccine for the novel coronavirus on June 4, foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Twitter.
By Reuters April 24, 2020

Europe
World Must Ensure Equal Access for All to COVID-19 Vaccines, Drugs: WHO
All new vaccines, diagnostics and treatments against the new coronavirus must be made equally available to everyone worldwide, the World Health Organization said on Friday as it outlined a plan to accelerate work to fight COVID-19.
By Reuters April 24, 2020

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

Think Tanks et al

Brookings
http://www.brookings.edu/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Future Development
Funding the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines: The need for global collective action
Marco Schäferhoff, Gavin Yamey, and Kaci Kennedy McDade
Friday, April 24, 2020
Center for Global Development [to 25 Apr 2020]
http://www.cgdev.org/page/press-center
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Publication
Delivering on the Promise of “Equitable Access” to Epidemic Vaccines and Treatments: the Need for Norms, Processes, and Evidence to Guide Supply and Allocation
4/25/20
While there has been much interest and investment in developing epidemic vaccines and medicines to combat emerging infectious disease threats, there has been less attention to how we will manage and allocate the global supply of efficacious vaccines and treatments once we have them. The launch of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator marks an unprecedented commitment to global collaboration to ensure rapid and equitable access to medical countermeasures for COVID-19, such as vaccines and treatments.

CSIS
https://www.csis.org/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
[No new relevant content]

Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.cfr.org/
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Vaccine Update [Conference Call]

April 21, 2020

Kaiser Family Foundation
https://www.kff.org/search/?post_type=press-release
Accessed 25 Apr 2020
[No new relevant content]