Merck to Announce Multiple Scientific Efforts to Combat COVID-19

Posted on Tue/26/MayTue/26/May by AZBio

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, will today announce three significant scientific initiatives to combat COVID-19: two agreements to develop potential vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, and a research collaboration to advance the development of a novel antiviral candidate. Today’s announcements are:

Merck to acquire Themis Bioscience, a company focused on vaccines and immune-modulation therapies for infectious diseases, including COVID-19;
IAVI and Merck collaborate to develop vaccine against COVID-19;
Merck and Ridgeback Bio collaborate to advance development of an oral antiviral candidate for COVID-19, EIDD-2801.

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Cost-effective cancer vaccine offers promise for prevention and treatment

Posted on Fri/22/MayFri/22/May by AZBio

In a new study appearing in the journal BMC Immunology, lead researcher Milene Peterson along with a team of researchers including Stephen Johnston, all in the Biodesign Center for Innovations in Medicine, took a look at the efficacy of personal vaccines versus shared vaccines, which target mutations shared by the majority of individuals with a cancer subtype.Continue reading→

UArizona Names Surgeon General Carmona to Lead Campus Reentry Plan

Posted on Thu/21/MayThu/21/May by AZBio

University of Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins announced in April his plans to resume in-person classes Aug. 24, bringing back 45,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff for fall 2020.Continue reading→

Banner Health experts: Staying safe as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Posted on Tue/19/MayTue/19/May by AZBio

Practiced together, CDC guidelines help to reduce riskContinue reading→

Researchers Investigate How COVID-19 Impacts the Brain

Posted on Fri/15/MayFri/15/May by AZBio

The project will leverage an existing online survey tool that researchers have used to investigate risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

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U.S. Patent Office Implements COVID-19 Pilot Program for Prioritized Examination

Posted on Fri/15/MayFri/15/May by AZBio

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has introduced a pilot program to provide prioritized patent examination for patent applications that cover a product or process related to COVID-19. The product or process must be subject to an applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for COVID-19 use.Continue reading→

UArizona, State of Arizona to Expand COVID-19 Antibody Testing Statewide

Posted on Fri/15/MayFri/15/May by AZBio

Tucson, Ariz. – The University of Arizona and state of Arizona antibody testing initiative will include 31 sites across the state as it expands to all 15 counties.Continue reading→

Cloth masks are a worthy line of defense to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on Thu/14/MaySat/16/May by AZBio

Sarah Arrowsmith, lab coordinator and scientist at Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Biotechnology, stepped up to make coth masks for others. The team at the ASU Biodesign institute ran tests to determine how effective these homemade masks may be. Continue reading→

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath will become BIO’s President and CEO on June 1, 2020

Posted on Thu/14/MayThu/14/May by AZBio

After a comprehensive search, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has announced that Michelle McMurry-Heath, MD, PhD, as its incoming President and CEO. McMurry-Heath will become the organization’s next President and CEO on June 1, 2020.

BIO is the world’s largest science and public advocacy organization, representing 1,000 members. McMurry-Heath will succeed former Rep. Jim Greenwood, who has led the organization since 2005 and BIO’s founding President & CEO Carl B. Feldbaum who served from 1993 to 2004.Continue reading→

ICYMI: Testing, Testing, Testing

Posted on Thu/14/MayThu/14/May by AZBio

Testing – What is the difference between tests?
Testing – Who needs it and when?
Testing – How can we get the job done?