With social distancing and travel restrictions easing worldwide, and WHO warning of a possible second peak of the pandemic, the work continues on potential vaccines to prevent COVID-19 and treatments for those already affected by the virus. The following is a small sampling of the COVID-19 updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:
Preliminary results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of IV remdesivier in adults hospitalized w/ COVID-19 and lower respiratory tract infection showed remdesivir was superior to placebo in shortening recovery times (11 days vs 15 days; p=0.001). NEJM
This JBJS article discusses medically necessary orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommends safe surgical practices and a classification to guide tx. JBJS
The US plans a massive testing effort involving more than 100K volunteers and ~6 of the most promising vaccine candidates in an effort to deliver a safe and effective one by YE20, compressing what is typically 10 yrs of vaccine development/testing into a matter of months. Reuters
Moderna reports preliminary data suggests its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and appears to be eliciting an immune response in test subjects. The FDA has given the Company approval to begin a Phase II study w/ ~600 volunteers. A Phase III study may begin by July. NPR
The CDC announced the US Dept of HHS is delivering $10.25B in new funding to states, territories and local jurisdictions to support testing for COVID-19. The IHS will also provide $750MM to IHS, tribal and urban Indian Health programs to expand testing capacity/capabilities.
US FDA issued an alert to the public concerning early data suggesting Abbott ID NOW point-of-care testing for COVID-19 is potentially returning inaccurate results. FDA has received 15 adverse event reports about the device. FDA.gov
A new online survey (N=1,000) assessing US consumer sentiment & perceptions of healthcare after COVID-19 showed 43% of adults have had a healthcare service canceled or delayed due to COVID-19 and 80% plan to schedule/reschedule their procedures w/in 6 mos. Sapphire Digital Survey
Six major health systems in Los Angeles are launching a campaign to let pts know that hospitals and clinics are open and available to treat all kinds of ailments outside of COVID-19. la.bettertogether.health
MedTech Europe, the European trade association for the medical technology industry, published an overview document regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the prevention activities due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Post COVID-19 Transformations in Shoulder Surgery
The Codman Shoulder Society has published transformation suggestions for orthopedic surgery post-COVID-19, including increased telehealth use, a greater shift in surgeries from hospitals to ASCs and stricter need to follow evidence-based guidelines. J Shoulder and Elbow Surg
The COVID-19 crisis has put the spotlight on infection control w/in hospitals and further reinforces the importance of the infection preventionist (IP) in the “new normal” healthcare setting. IC webinar
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, about 2MM pts/mo in England were visiting ERs but that number dropped to ~916.6K in April. Also, the number of pts seeking routine treatment and surgery such as knee and hip replacement dropped by 1/3 in Mar from ~305.4K to ~207.8. BBC.com
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