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May 05, 2020___

Today's Rundown

Featured Story

Ousted BARDA director pushed back on chloroquine claims and faced whistleblower retaliation, complaint says

After his surprise removal from HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)—a key agency partnered with pharma companies on COVID-19 drugs, vaccines and diagnostics—former director Rick Bright is alleging whistleblower retaliation by HHS leadership. 

Top Stories

AHA: COVID-19 pandemic could cost hospitals $200B through June

The COVID-19 pandemic will cost hospitals $202 billion over a four-month period, primarily due to the loss of elective surgical procedures, an AHA report says.

FDA increases oversight, requirements for COVID-19 antibody tests

After allowing unreviewed antibody tests to pervade the U.S. market for weeks, the FDA is closing its open-door policy for coronavirus blood serology tests—bringing their oversight more in line with the molecular diagnostics used to confirm active cases of COVID-19.

Regeneron scales up manufacturing, eyes human tests of COVID-19 antibody cocktail in June

As COVID-19 ravages across the globe, Regeneron has responded with its own two-pronged approach against the disease. One is about repurposing its arthritis med Kevzara, and the other involves a antibody cocktail aiming for clinical trials beginning next month. And it's amping up manufacturing to be ready.

Biopharma roundup: Trump admin plans to wind down task force: NYT

Former BARDA chief Rick Bright filed a whistleblower retaliation complaint over his demotion. Plus, the Trump administration is planning to wind down its coronavirus task force, according to the New York Times.

Healthcare roundup: Amazon teams up with supply hub to offer PPE

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

Humana waives cost-sharing for primary care, behavioral health visits through end of 2020 

Humana will now waive all cost-sharing for primary care and behavioral health care visits through the end of the year for its Medicare Advantage members. 

Pfizer, BioNTech dose first U.S. subject with COVID-19 vaccine

Pfizer and BioNTech have begun dosing participants in a U.S. clinical trial of their COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The dose-escalation stage of the trial will enroll up to 360 subjects, initially out of sites in New York and Maryland.

Babylon teams up with Mount Sinai to launch AI-based app in New York City

British startup Babylon is rapidly expanding its presence in the U.S. market by joining Mount Sinai Health Partners to roll out its app to millions of New Yorkers. Find out how the startup wants to build a toward a 50-state network.

Novartis, Incyte will take Jakafi into 2nd trial for COVID-19 patients on ventilators

Novartis and Incyte have already pitted their blockbuster JAK inhibitor Jakafi against COVID-19 as a possible treatment for a severe respiratory immune reaction. Now, seeing promise in another category of coronavirus-afflicted patients, the partners will take Jakafi into a second late-stage trial. 

Portraits in Healthcare: This former Banner ICU nurse left for another industry. He's returning because of COVID-19

Robert Dandurand left Banner Health as an ICU nurse for a job at a ballot printing company—a busy job on its own during an election year. But as he watched the need for clinicians to treat COVID-19 grow, Dandurand recently signed up to start grabbing ICU shifts during his off hours.

Regeneron touts Eylea strength as Novartis rival falters, COVID-19 cuts demand

Regeneron, in defending its top-selling eye drug Eylea, has quickly seized upon a safety flag for Novartis' rival Beovu. And despite a COVID-19-related "sharp" decline in overall demand, Eylea sales still topped industry watchers' estimates in the first quarter.