Helpful overviews include FDA Combating Covid-19 with Therapeutics and a video interview with the Operation Warp Speed lead on types of treatments and ongoing research.
- What treatments for COVID-19 are approved for use? As of Nov. 23, the FDA has approved one treatment for COVID-19, the antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir), for use in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Five other treatments are currently authorized for Emergency Use – including convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies.
- What’s the difference between convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies? Basically, monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses. Convalescent plasma is from patients who have already recovered from COVID-19 and may contain antibodies against the virus.
- What other treatments are in development? FDA created the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) to expedite the development of therapeutics. As of Oct. 31, there were more than 370 active trials and more than 560 development programs for therapeutic agents in the planning stages. Visit the CTAP’s dashboard.
- Why is there a national call for plasma? As COVID-19 infections spike nationwide, the demand for convalescent plasma is outpacing donations. Americans who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months can donate now. Visit local blood collection center, American Red Cross or America’s Blood Centers or visit org to become a donor.
HHS Announcements & News
Vaccine Development and Distribution Update
- CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met last week and voted on general recommendations for how to prioritize vaccine distribution when supply is initially scarce.
- CDC then published the MMWR with their vaccine priority recommendations to jurisdictions. Bottom line: The 24 million vaccines will first take care of the 21 million healthcare workers and then approximately 3 million seniors and frail living in long term care facilities second.
- The 64 jurisdictions are working on distribution plans and will use these recommendations and their own best judgment to develop allocation plans based on what makes sense in their circumstances.
- , Dec. 10, FDA’s Vaccine Advisory Board will meet to discuss an emergency use authorization request for Pfizer’s vaccine.
- , Dec. 17, FDA’s Vaccine Advisory board will review the clinical trial data submitted by Moderna for emergency authorization of its vaccine.
- What can we do? When vaccines become available, it’ll be our turn to get vaccinated and encourage our communities to do the same. Read and share the CDC’s website and videos with quick things to know about the science of vaccines.
New Study on First U.S. Cases of COVID-19
CDC highlighted a study that shows that the virus that causes COVID-19 may have been in the U.S. as early as mid-December 2019, a month before the first confirmed case, based on antibodies found in donated blood.
COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Among Persons Hispanic/Latinos
CDC released an MMWR for the period between March and Oct. in Denver, Colorado. The majority of adult COVID-19 cases (55%), hospitalizations (62%), and deaths (51%) were among Hispanic adults, double the proportion of Hispanic adults (24.9%).
COVID-19 Emergency Webinar for Community Based Organizations: Vaccines
Wed., Dec. 16, 2020. 3:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
CDC Foundation President and CEO Dr. Judy Monroe, CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Anne Schuchat will discuss the current COVID-19 response, including the latest information about vaccines, and vaccine distribution plans. A local expert will also speak about vaccine-related challenges and opportunities.
Register now! USDA Faith Fellowship and Food Security Virtual Convening
USDA will host a Faith and Opportunity Fellowship convening bringing together faith leaders, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship to engage with peers, discuss common challenges, and hear best practices related to food security and community food system resilience. Register here. Reach out to alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.