COVID-19 Update | January 22, 2021

COVID-19 News

COVID-19 Update | January 22, 2021

January 22, 2021

The California Biotechnology Foundation is committed to keeping you up to date about COVID-19 testing, treatment and prevention advancements. The following resources track what progress has been made as of January 22, 2021. Notable advancements include:

  • Johnson & Johnson plans to have 100 million vaccines for Americans by the spring and would be the first vaccine given in a single shot, without requiring a booster.
  • Pfizer and BioNTechvaccine is as effective against a fast-spreading virus variant that originated in the U.K. as it is against the original strain identified in China, the companies reported following laboratory testing.
  • Gritstone Oncology Inc. said it will work with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on a two-stage Phase I clinical trial experimental, next-generation COVID-19 vaccine meant to tackle novel forms of the virus.

​Recent News:

  • Johnson & Johnson plans to have 100 million vaccines for Americans by spring, board member says
    CNBC – January 21, 2021
    Johnson & Johnson board member Dr. Mark McClellan told CNBC that “if the clinical trial works out,” the company could significantly increase the nation’s Covid vaccine supply availability within the coming weeks. The vaccine from Johnson & Johnson would be first to be given in a single shot, without requiring a booster. It’s been in clinical trials at sites across the country, including Stanford.
  • Here are the 10 executive orders Biden’s signing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic
    CNBC – January 21, 2021
    On his first full day in office, President Joe Biden announced 10 executive orders to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, mandating masks on public transportation and directing agencies to use wartime powers to require U.S. companies to make N95 masks, swabs and other equipment. Biden will seek to accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines by providing more funding to local and state officials, creating more vaccination sites and launching a national education campaign.
  • Here are 7 of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine myths busted by experts
    CNBC – January 21, 2021
    When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, experts and public health officials say it’s crucial to combat misinformation and the more nefarious disinformation being spread about inoculations. Here are some of the main myths that are circulating about coronavirus vaccines.
  • Pfizer, BioNTech say vaccine effective against fast-spreading UK coronavirus variant
    BioPharma Dive – January 20, 2021
    The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech is as effective in laboratory testing against a fast-spreading virus variant that originated in the U.K. as it is against the original strain identified in China, the companies reported.
  • Lilly’s antibody drug prevents COVID-19 in study, but hurdles to use remain
    BioPharma Dive – January 20, 2021
    An antibody drug helped prevent symptomatic COVID-19 among nursing home residents and staff treated in a clinical trial run by the medicine’s maker, Eli Lilly, and federal government researchers.
  • How an East Bay biotech is applying its cancer know-how to a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine
    San Francisco Business Times – January 19, 2021
    As new variants of COVID-19 emerge globally — including one mutant that infiltrated a Kaiser Permanente emergency room in San Jose late last year — an East Bay biotech outlined plans for an experimental, next-generation COVID-19 vaccine meant to tackle novel forms of the virus.
  • Companies Race to Develop Drugs That Stay Ahead of COVID-19 Mutations
    Wall Street Journal – January 19, 2021
    Drugmakers are racing to develop a new generation of COVID-19 medicines to make them easier to give to patients and to stay ahead of virus mutations that could make some current drugs less effective. The drugs, known as monoclonal antibodies, are lab-engineered versions of antibodies that simulate the body’s natural immune response to viruses.
  • Monoclonal antibodies could ease record COVID-19 hospitalizations. Why are they going unused?
    NBC News – January 15, 2021
    A drug that could protect high-risk COVID-19 patients from developing severe illness is sitting on shelves unused as a record number of people are hospitalized in the U.S.. Public health officials at the federal and state levels pleaded with the country to take advantage of its vast supply of monoclonal antibody treatments, the only available therapy that can potentially keep patients out of the hospital.

Rely on California Biotechnology Foundation to monitor breaking news and provide updates on the latest advancements in COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines and treatments.

Stay informed on the latest news and trends on the economic and health benefits of this industry by visiting the new CABiotech.org

If you have any questions about informational briefings contact California Biotechnology Foundation Executive Director Patty Cooper at (916)764-2434 or [email protected].