COVID-19 Update | May 7, 2021

COVID-19 News

COVID-19 Update | May 7, 2021

May 7, 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 May 7, 2021. Notable advancements include:

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at protecting against severe disease caused by two variants, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Moderna released the results of its COVID-19 vaccine trials for those aged 12 to 17, reporting it 96 percent effective against the virus.
  • TheFood and Drug Administration is preparing to authorize the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents 12 to 15 years old by early next week, opening up the U.S. vaccination campaign to millions of more people.

​Recent News:

  • Pfizer/BioNTech seek full FDA approval for their COVID-19 vaccine
    CNN Health – May 7, 2021
    Pfizer/BioNTech has initiated its application to the US Food and Drug Administration for full FDA approval of its COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older, the companies said. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine in the United States to be assessed for full approval from the FDA.
  • Moderna says COVID-19 vaccine 96 percent effective in teens
    The Hill – May 6, 2021
    Moderna released the results of its COVID-19 vaccine trials for those aged 12 to 17, reporting it 96 percent effective against the virus. The company said it had not identified any serious safety concerns to date.
  • Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine is Highly Effective Against Variants, Studies Find
    New York Times – May 5, 2021
    The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is extraordinarily effective at protecting against severe disease caused by two dangerous variants, according to two studies published. The studies, which are based on the real-world use of the vaccine in Qatar and Israel, suggest that the vaccine can prevent the worst outcomes — including severe pneumonia and death.
  • A Moderna vaccine booster will be effective against some variants, a trial indicates.
    New York Times – May 5, 2021
    A single dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine given as a booster rapidly increased the level of antibodies in people who had already been vaccinated, the company announce. The antibodies produced by the booster were effective against the original form of the virus, as well as against the variants of concern first identified in South Africa and Brazil.
  • This New COVID-19 Vaccine Could Bring Hope to the Unvaccinated World
    New York Times – May 5, 2021
    CureVac is on the cusp of announcing the results of its late-stage clinical trial. CureVac’s product belongs to what many scientists refer to as the second wave of COVID-19 vaccines that could collectively ease the world’s demand. Novavax, a company based in Maryland whose vaccine uses coronavirus proteins, is expected to apply for U.S. authorization in the next few weeks.
  • COVID-19 treatment: Hepatitis C drugs may enhance remdesivir
    Medical News Today – May 4, 2021
    Researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, NY, believe that a combination of drugs already approved for use in the United States could be the key in treating COVID-19. Researchers believe that a combination of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiviral medications could help people with COVID-19 infections.
  • Pfizer says it will seek clearance in September for its vaccine to be used in children aged 2 to 11.
    New York Times – May 4, 2021
    Pfizer expects to apply to the Food and Drug Administration in September for emergency authorization to administer its COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 2 and 11. The company said it also plans to apply this month for full approval of the vaccine for use in people from ages 16 to 85. And it said it expected to have clinical trial data on the safety of its vaccine in pregnant women by early August.
  • White House aims to give 70% of American adults at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by July 4
    STAT – May 4, 2021
    The Biden administration set a new goal for the ongoing U.S. COVID-19 vaccination campaign: giving at least one shot to 70% of the adult population by July 4. To reach that goal, Biden’s team said he will expand walk-up vaccinations at pharmacies and vaccination sites, open additional mobile vaccination units, and accelerate a public-relations campaign aimed at boosting vaccine confidence.
  • D.A. Set to Authorize Pfizer Vaccine for Adolescents by Early Next Week
    New York Times – May 3, 2021
    The Food and Drug Administration is preparing to authorize use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents 12 to 15 years old by early next week, according to federal officials familiar with the agency’s plans, opening up the U.S. vaccination campaign to millions more people.
  • California has given 30 million COVID-19 vaccinations, but demand may be dropping
    Los Angeles Times – April 30, 2021
    Providers throughout California have now administered 30 million total doses of COVID-19 vaccine — a milestone that, though promising, comes amid rising concerns that interest in the shots may be starting to wane.
  • Gilead Sciences Announces Steps to Expand Availability of Remdesivir in India
    Gilead Sciences – April 26, 2021
    Gilead Sciences announced that in response to the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases in India, the company is taking steps to scale up production of remdesivir and will donate at least 450,000 vials to help ease the immediate need for treatment.

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].