Author Archive: AZBio

TGen, A Genomic First Responder to COVID-19

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TGen is stepping up through the untiring efforts of scientists and staff at TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division (TGen North). The amazing group has a history of tracking the cause and source of disease outbreaks, antibiotic resistance, healthcare-acquired infections, microbial evolution, pathogen dispersal, and emerging infections. Continue reading→

New Executive Order: “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected”

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The latest Executive Order issued today by Governor Doug Ducey follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and comes at the recommendation of public health officials who are tracking data specific to Arizona. The Governor’s order promotes increased physical distancing, while encouraging social connectedness among citizens. It takes place at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, March 31, 2020.Continue reading→

Governor Ducey, Superintendent Hoffman Announce Extension Of School Closures Through End Of School Year

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PHOENIX⁠ — Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman today announced the extension of Arizona school closures through the end of the school year. The extension follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an announcement from the White House extending physical distancing guidelines until April 30, 2020. Continue reading→

Johnson & Johnson Announces a Lead Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19; Landmark New Partnership with U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; and Commitment to Supply One Billion Vaccines Worldwide for Emergency Pandemic Use

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Alex Gorsky, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, one of several companies that’s developed a potential coronavirus vaccine, tells TODAY that his company has a candidate “that has a high degree of probability of being successful.” He anticipates starting tests in humans in September and says “We could have vaccines ready in Q1 and Q2 of 2021.” (Source:  TODAY Show)Continue reading→

Abbott Announces EUA Approval of Rapid Molecular Point-of-care Test for COVID-19

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ABBOTT LAUNCHES MOLECULAR POINT-OF-CARE TEST TO DETECT NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IN AS LITTLE AS FIVE MINUTES

– The Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test brings rapid testing to the front lines

– Test to run on Abbott’s point-of-care ID NOW platform – a portable instrument that can be deployed where testing is needed most
– ID NOW has the largest molecular point-of-care installed base in the U.S. and is available in a wide range of healthcare settings
– Abbott will be making ID NOW COVID-19 tests available next week and expects to ramp up manufacturing to deliver 50,000 tests per day
– This is the company’s second test to receive Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA for COVID-19 detection; combined, Abbott expects to produce about 5 million tests per monthContinue reading→