Archives: 2020-04-16

Covid-19: European Commission issues guidelines on testing

Today, as part of the European Roadmap towards lifting coronavirus containment measures, the Commission is presenting guidelines on coronavirus testing methodologies.  The guidance aims to support Member States in effectively using testing tools in the context of their national strategies and during the different stages of the pandemic, including when phasing out confinement measures. The Commission also

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FDA Clears under Emergency Use Authorisation First Saliva Collection Test for Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

The test has been developed by collaborative efforts of Accurate Diagnostic Labs and RUCDR Infinite Biologics at Rutgers University The joint venture between Accurate Diagnostic Labs and RUCDR, utilizing the Spectrum Solutions’ DNA 1000 Saliva Collection Kit, is the first Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) clearance from the FDA to allow for saliva testing. This is

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Harvard researchers show social distancing might be necessary into 2022 to avoid overwhelming hospitals

Social distancing measures could be necessary on and off through 2022, according to infectious-disease researchers at Harvard. To prepare for future waves of infections and build “herd immunity,” the researchers said countries should expand their critical care capacities and look for new treatments. Widespread coronavirus testing should also continue at least through 2024, to plan social distancing measures properly. As parts of

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FDA greenlights blood detox device to combat COVID-19’s cytokine storms

The FDA has granted an emergency authorization to a blood purification system to treat patients with the most severe cases of COVID-19. The device is designed to strip out an excess of immune system-triggering proteins from blood and plasma before returning them back to the patient—including those that fuel cytokine storms, the harmful, cascading activation

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‘It’s a humanitarian effort’: Led by Takeda and CSL Behring, a plasma coalition forms to fight COVID-19

A new, worldwide coalition of plasma companies seeking to develop and deliver a hyperimmune immunoglobulin therapy for fighting COVID-19 takes the view that many hands make light work. Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and CSL Behring LLC created the group, with Germany’s Biotest AG, the U.K.’s Bio Products Laboratory, France’s LFB SA and Switzerland’s Octapharma AG joining the alliance to immediately begin developing a

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