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April 17, 2020___

Today's Rundown

Featured Story

Gilead's remdesivir looks promising in leaked early results, but don't jump to conclusions: analysts

The world is watching and waiting for data to see whether Gilead's investigational antiviral remdesivir can help fight COVID-19. And while some leaked early results suggest that it can, industry watchers will need to wait for data from Gilead's own controlled phase 3 study to know for sure.

Top Stories

White House details guidelines for businesses, hospitals to get back to 'normality'

Here's what the President and top advisors are saying about what the guidelines mean for nursing homes, surgery centers and hospitals.

After 'superspreader' meeting, recovered Biogen employees give blood to aid coronavirus research

Early in the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak, Biogen’s February meeting in Boston played a central role in spreading the virus in Massachusetts and beyond. Now that many employees have recovered, they’re donating blood samples to a “biobank" to help researchers learn more about the virus.

Don't count on a COVID-19 vaccine for at least 5 years, says AI-based forecast

Could a COVID-19 vaccine really be ready in 12 to 18 months? Global analytics firm Clarivate applied machine learning to leading vaccine candidates from Moderna and Inovio and made some sobering forecasts about both the FDA approval timeline and the probability of success.

Resuming elective procedures will depend on testing, PPE, decline of COVID-19 cases, providers say

Here's when provider groups say about when and how facilities can resume elective procedures.

Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska to begin allowing elective surgeries

Texas and Alaska are among the first states to begin reopening their economies, including allowing elective surgeries to resume, following the release of new guidance from the White House this week.

Biopharma roundup: Vaccines could take years, forecast says; Sanofi aims for smartphone test

Despite researchers holding out hope that a COVID-19 vaccine could hit the market faster than expected, one forecast warns that a shot might not be available for at least five years. Global analysts firm Clarivate said two vaccine candidates from Moderna and Inovio could be years in the making––even if they're successful. 

Healthcare roundup: Mount Sinai, UPMC Children's get initial FCC telehealth funding; ACAP urges CMS to adopt policy changes

FierceHealthcare's ongoing coverage of how the coronavirus is impacting the healthcare industry.

Roche slates COVID-19 antibody blood test for early May

Roche announced plans to launch its own COVID-19 antibody blood test early next month as a complement to its previous high-throughput test for active infections authorized by the FDA in March.

CDC plans to roll out app in May to speed up COVID-19 case reporting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to roll out an app in May that will accelerate electronic case reporting of COVID-19 cases. The app will enable public health agencies to get accurate, real-time data on COVID-19 cases to support case management and contact tracing efforts, the CDC said.

Sanofi taps Luminostics to develop a smartphone-based COVID-19 test

Sanofi has begun working with California startup Luminostics to build an at-home test for COVID-19 that would use a sample reader powered by a user’s personal smartphone.

CVS Health to work with UCLA Health, other hospitals to create more bed capacity

In a move to help increase hospital bed capacity, CVS Health will provide in-home nursing to support the transition to eligible IV-therapy patients out of the hospital. 

Bayer version of COVID-19 antimalarial hopeful may come with quality concerns: report

Drugmakers are rushing to supply millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine, a cheap generic in testing as a possible treatment for COVID-19, after public interest sent demand through the roof. But donated batches of the drug from Bayer, which haven't been approved by the FDA, are drawing quality concerns. 

MD Anderson research freeze stops production of Bellicum drugs

The cessation of research at MD Anderson Cancer Center has put a stop to production of Bellicum Pharmaceuticals’ clinical development candidates. 

Stalled by COVID-19, teens from BioMarin-backed hemophilia musical reunite remotely

For the teens involved in the BioMarin-sponsored “Hemophilia the Musical” arts program, the show must go on in spite of COVID-19. That’s the message they’re sending on World Hemophilia Day Friday as they reunite remotely while sheltering in place.