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Today's Rundown

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Pfizer, BioNTech to seek emergency COVID-19 vaccine nod on Friday

Pfizer and BioNTech are off to the races. With early phase 3 data pointing to 95% efficacy, the duo will file for emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin, M.D. told CNN Wednesday. That could mean an emergency green light in time for the new year.

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Doctors report patients' health declining due to delayed or inaccessible care during COVID-19 pandemic

Patients’ overall health continues to suffer due to the pandemic, with the majority of primary care physicians reporting that their patients' mental health has declined during the past eight months. Over a third (37%) of primary care physicians say their patients with chronic conditions are in “noticeably worse health resulting from the pandemic," according to a new survey.

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AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine shows midphase promise in seniors

A phase 2 clinical trial has found AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine delivers similar immune responses in people aged over and under 70 years. The update, which suggests the vaccine is better tolerated by seniors, provides further evidence that prophylactics may work in the people most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

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Pfizer aims to ship COVID-19 vaccine doses 'within hours' of regulatory nods, CEO says. Will a 'race to regulate' ensue?

After Pfizer’s leading COVID-19 vaccine turned in strong data in a late-stage trial, the company planned to submit its program to U.S. authorities for an emergency use authorization “within days.” And as soon as it gets go-aheads from regulators, it'll be ready to distribute, CEO Albert Bourla says.

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Siemens Healthineers to offer antibody test for quantifying COVID-19 immunity

Siemens Healthineers has put forward a quantitative test that measures the antibodies capable of neutralizing the coronavirus, ultimately slowing the infection.

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HHS cancels celebrities, keeps science in massive pandemic ad campaign  

Hollywood celebrities will not be convincing people to wear masks or get a vaccine in government-funded ads after all. The Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday nixed a controversial $15 million contract that sought to use celebrity messages to drive responsible pandemic behavior.

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When will COVID-19 vaccines be widely available? Feds lay out an ambitious timeline

With Moderna and Pfizer both reporting sky-high response rates to their COVID-19 vaccines, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is predicting vaccinations will start next month. But for most of the U.S. population to be vaccinated quickly, front-runners Pfizer and Moderna will need to clear some hurdles.

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Nearly half of patients say they'd feel safest getting COVID-19 vaccine at doctor's office: survey

As states and healthcare leaders develop vaccination distribution plans, understanding patient preference will be critical to ensuring mass immunization, officials said.

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Biopharma roundup: Pfizer to seek U.S. emergency OK Friday as BioNTech eyes room temp-stable formula in 2021: report

Pfizer will seek a U.S. emergency nod Friday; plus, BioNTech is working on a new shot formula that could be shipped at room temperature, BioNTech's CEO told CNN. AstraZeneca's shot could launch shortly behind Pfizer's and Moderna's, Oxford's trial chief said. And Siemens developed an antibody test that may help gauge vaccine efficacy.

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Moody's: Insurers will be financially 'unscathed' by COVID-19 but must adapt to industry evolution

While insurers are set to weather COVID-19's financial storm, an inability to keep up with how the pandemic is changing healthcare will be credit-negative in the long term, according to a new report from Moody's Investors Service.

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Qiming Venture Partners boosts 7th fund to $1.2B, battling back against COVID-19 headwinds

China’s life science investment firm Qiming Venture Partners has tied up $1.2 billion for its Fund VII, the largest of 2020, as it looks to funnel cash into early-stage companies.

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