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Today's Rundown

Russian hackers feverishly working to steal COVID-19 vaccine research, governments say
Fauci calls for U.S. to hit 'reset button' after some states reopened too quickly
Johnson & Johnson to start human testing of COVID-19 vaccine next week
CVS, Walmart lead retailers adding requirements for face masks in all stores
Novartis promises zero profit for 15 symptomatic COVID-19 drugs in low-income countries
COVID-19 close-up: Nocion CEO Batycky on controlling cough to control spread
Here's a look at what docs' average starting salaries were—before COVID-19 hit
Biopharma roundup: HHS upholds Slaoui's contractor status; China offers unapproved Sinopharm shots to state employees
Thermo Fisher throws in an extra billion to buy COVID-19 testing supplier Qiagen
Adagio debuts with $50M to fight COVID-19—and the next pandemic
House telehealth leaders move to cement regulatory changes for virtual care
While the pandemic is still spiking, clinical trial disruptions starting to ease for now: analyst
Report: Revenue for staffing firms up as demand soars for staff to help fight COVID-19

Featured Story

Russian hackers feverishly working to steal COVID-19 vaccine research, governments say

By Eric Sagonowsky

COVID-19 vaccine researchers worldwide are working around the clock to advance promising candidates, but Russian hackers are simultaneously trying to swipe everything they've learned, officials from the U.S., U.K. and Canada said Thursday.

Fauci calls for U.S. to hit 'reset button' after some states reopened too quickly

By Tina Reed

What will it take to get the U.S. back on track? Here's what the nation's top infectious disease expert thinks needs to happen next.

Johnson & Johnson to start human testing of COVID-19 vaccine next week

By Eric Sagonowsky

Several biopharma players are racing to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, and now Johnson & Johnson is revving up its plans for late-stage trials earlier than originally expected—and it's aiming far above the FDA's 50% efficacy bar for approval, executives said. If its candidate succeeds in the clinic, J&J plans to be ready to launch in early 2021.

CVS, Walmart lead retailers adding requirements for face masks in all stores

By Paige Minemyer

As cases of the novel coronavirus spike in several states, two of the country's largest retailers will require customers to wear masks in all locations.

Novartis promises zero profit for 15 symptomatic COVID-19 drugs in low-income countries

By Angus Liu

Novartis’ generic hydroxychloroquine may have little use in COVID-19, but the Swiss pharma still wants to contribute its low-cost drugs in some way. Its Sandoz unit will offer 15 generic and over-the-counter medicines, including dexamethasone, at zero profit to developing countries during the pandemic.

COVID-19 close-up: Nocion CEO Batycky on controlling cough to control spread

By Amirah Al Idrus

Suppressing cough in COVID-19 patients not only addresses a symptom that can be “traumatic and debilitating,” but it can tamp down on the spread of the disease from patients to hospital staff, family or housemates. Nocion Therapeutics scored expedited approval for the phase 1 study of its cough treatment.

Here's a look at what docs' average starting salaries were—before COVID-19 hit

By Tina Reed

Invasive cardiologists often receive the highest starting salaries at about $640,000 compared to other physician specialties, according to a review by national healthcare recruiting firm Merritt Hawkins. While that figure may not, of course, reflect current reality in the wake of the pandemic, here's a look at what docs were being offered.

Biopharma roundup: HHS upholds Slaoui's contractor status; China offers unapproved Sinopharm shots to state employees

By Eric Sagonowsky, Angus Liu, Kyle Blankenship, Conor Hale, Fraiser Kansteiner

The HHS upheld Moncef Slaoui's position as a government contractor, shielding the Warp Speed chief from federal disclosure rules. Moderna execs have sold off far more shares in 2020 than other pharmas in the COVID-19 fight. And China is dosing employees of certain state-owned firms with Sinopharm's vaccine candidates—outside of official trials.

Thermo Fisher throws in an extra billion to buy COVID-19 testing supplier Qiagen

By Conor Hale

Thermo Fisher Scientific has sweetened its deal for diagnostic manufacturer Qiagen by about 10% after the spreading COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the value of molecular testing supplies.

Adagio debuts with $50M to fight COVID-19—and the next pandemic

By Amirah Al Idrus

Coronaviruses have jumped from animals to humans before—and they’ll do it again. That’s why Adagio Therapeutics is working on antibodies that can fight multiple members of the virus family, including SARS-CoV-2, the culprit behind the current pandemic. The startup snagged $50 million to push its lead candidates into the clinic.

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