About Covid-19
Covid Weekly Tracker Review: From the CDC: “The current 7-day moving average of daily new cases (84,555) decreased 12.5% compared with the previous 7-day moving average (96,666). A total of 44,615,528 COVID-19 cases have been reported as of October 13, 2021.”
CDC data: Unvaccinated 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated: “Unvaccinated people have an 11 times higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people, according to new data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The data run through August and are from 16 health departments representing about 30 percent of the U.S. population, the CDC said.
In addition, the data show that unvaccinated people have a six times higher chance of testing positive for COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people do.”
U.S. Moves Pandemic Data Tracking to CDC, Reversing Trump: “The Biden administration is moving the U.S. government’s largest public-health tracking system back to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, undoing a much-criticized move by the Trump administration to shift custody of critical data from the nation’s top epidemiological agency.
According to a document obtained by Bloomberg News, the Department of Health and Human Services on Oct. 1 signed off on a recommendation to move the system, designed to track pandemic data, out of the management of its own Office of the Chief Information Officer and into CDC’s oversight.”
Antibody tests can’t give answers you want about covid-19 immunity.: A reminder: “Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration advise against using antibody tests to determine one’s level of immunity against covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. So does the Infectious Disease Society of America, which represents infectious-disease specialists.”
‘I hope you die’: how the COVID pandemic unleashed attacks on scientists: “Dozens of researchers tell Nature they have received death threats, or threats of physical or sexual violence.”
WTO member nations again fail to agree on Covid-19 vaccine patent waiver: “The council of the WTO agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (Trips) met recently to try to make progress on the issue, but the agency said the council had not reached a consensus. Further talks are also scheduled for October 26.”
About pharma
FDA approves first interchangeable biosimilar for Humira: “The FDA said Oct. 18 it has approved Cyltezo, the first interchangeable biosimilar for AbbVie's best-selling drug Humira.
Cyltezo, made by Boehringer Ingelheim, is the second interchangeable biosimilar drug approved by the FDA, following the approval of Mylan's Semglee in July. It is the first interchangeable monoclonal antibody approved. “
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Recalls All Irbesartan Tablets Over Potential Impurity: “Lupin Pharmaceuticals is recalling all batches of its irbesartan and irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets in the U.S. over concerns the blood pressure drugs may contain N-nitrosoirbesartan, a likely carcinogen.”
About the public’s health
Biden administration moves to curtail toxic ‘forever chemicals’: “The Environmental Protection Agency said it will move with urgency to set enforceable drinking water limits on certain polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which do not break down naturally and have turned up in the water supplies of communities around the country.
The agency also will require manufacturers to provide detailed data about entire classes of compounds they produce, and plans to designate some of them as hazardous chemicals under the nation’s Superfund law.”
About medical devices
FDA Designates Osteoarthritis Microspheres a Breakthrough Device: “The microspheres are delivered in a minimally invasive procedure to reduce blood flow to the periarticular tissue of the joints, limiting the inflammatory process.
The microspheres have other applications, such as blocking blood flow to hypervascular tumors, arteriovenous malformations and uterine fibroids.”
About health insurance
Walmart unveils employer market team-up with Transcarent: “Walmart is teaming with Transcarent to make it easier for self-funded employers to access its healthcare services.
This is the first time Walmart has made such an agreement to offer its prices on pharmaceuticals and other healthcare services to employers. The partnership aims to allow employers to leverage the retail giant's size and scale to offer more convenient care and cost-effective health and wellness options.”