Novavax’s updated version of its Covid-19 vaccine is now FDA authorized for use in the U.S., joining the approved shots from Moderna and partners Pfizer and BioNTech. Novavax said its protein-based vaccine will be available in coming days.
Vaxart says its pill vaccines for Covid-19 still have advantages over injectable ones, but norovirus offers a faster path to validating its technology. The company is shelving its Covid-19 clinical trial in a corporate restructuring that will shave headcount by 27%.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine is now authorized as a booster shot for adults. The regulatory decision, which comes three months after the shot was first granted FDA emergency authorization, introduces a booster shot alternative to messenger RNA vaccines.
Moderna is suing Pfizer and BioNTech, claiming they copied its messenger RNA work in developing their Covid-19 vaccine. The company notes that its patented work in respiratory infectious disease began years before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the biotech was pursuing an mRNA vaccine for a different coronavirus.
Pfizer and BioNTech reported positive clinical data for a Covid-19 booster in children younger than 5, results released ahead of a June FDA advisory committee meeting scheduled to discuss the use of that vaccine and Moderna’s in kids. In other Covid news this week, the CDC issued a health advisory for Pfizer’s antiviral Paxlovid and a respiratory failure drug for Covid-19 flunked its clinical trial.
Pfizer and BioNTech reported preliminary clinical data supporting use of their Covid-19 vaccine as a booster in children ages 5 to 11. In other Covid news, a vaccine developer won marketing authorization in Europe while another one faces a regulatory setback.
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
CMS set a deadline for staff at Medicare- or Medicaid- certified facilities to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by Jan. 4. Similarly, OSHA is also requiring large companies to vaccinate their workers by that date.
Johnson & Johnson won the support of an FDA advisory panel, which unanimously recommended a booster shot for adults. The backing comes one day after the panel’s affirmative vote on a Moderna vaccine in a busy week of regulatory developments for Covid-19 vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics.
CMS, in collaboration with the CDC, is making it mandatory for staff at healthcare facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The move comes as cases rise to 150,000 and deaths to 1,500 per day.
Now, Covid-19 vaccine administrators can earn an additional $35 per vaccination for up to five Medicare beneficiaries who live in a communal living space, like smaller group homes or assisted living facilities. CMS aims to boost vaccination rates with this pay increase.
We will highlight Build My Health's revenue practice management tools, which could help physician practices add up to $250,000 to their practices.
Novavax reported that its Covid-19 vaccine was 100% effective at protecting against moderate and severe disease and 90.4% effective overall. The vaccine is seen as an important alternative to messenger RNA vaccines because of its storage and distribution advantages.
Several organizations, both providers and payers, have pledged to help the White House achieve its goal of administering at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to 70% of Americans over the next month. These organizations are launching various initiatives to engage the unvaccinated, including call campaigns and financial incentives.
CMS is increasing the payment for administering at-home Covid-19 vaccinations from around $40 to $75 per dose. The move comes amid the Biden administration's push to boost vaccinations nationwide, including among older adults who may not be able to access vaccine sites.
The lawsuit alleges that the policy is akin to forcing employees to participate in a medical experiment as none of the vaccines available have received full FDA approval. But Houston Methodist rebutted these claims saying the vaccines are safe and effective, and requiring employees to get vaccinated is in the best interest of the patient.
Two healthcare conferences with in-person events slated for later this year will require people to be vaccinated. HIMSS’ annual conference, which will be held in Las Vegas in August, is one of them.