Congressional Democrats seek answers from ATF on efforts to track “ghost guns”
A group of Democrats in Congress are asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) about measures the agency has taken to keep homemade firearms – or ghost guns -- from falling into the wrong hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. “While the surge in firearm sales from... Read More »
HHS funds target rural COVID-19 resources
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said nearly $165 million has been earmarked to help rural communities combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding allotment via the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeks to assist 1,779 rural hospitals while providing additional... Read More »
IDSA develops antibody testing primer for SARS-CoV-2
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released a primer regarding SARS-CoV-2 serology antibody testing, as well as the research and policy questions the effort raises. “As serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 advances, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed, from... Read More »
Phase 3 trials of Gilead’s remdesivir show promise on COVID-19 patients treated early
The Phase 3 SIMPLE trial of Gilead Sciences Inc’s antiviral drug remdesivir has reached its primary endpoint, supplying positive data that COVID-19 patients administered the drug early fared better than those treated later. From 397 patients, the study revealed that 62 percent of patients... Read More »
BARDA, Cerus Corporation to test capabilities to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in blood
The Cerus Corporation has created the INTERCEPT Blood System as a means to reduce pathogens in red blood cells, and now, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is collaborating with it to test the system’s capabilities against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus... Read More »
Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense set to inform federally proposed COVID-19 commission
The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense is poised to assist a national COVID-19 commission that would be created under legislation introduced earlier this month. Specifically, recommendations and pandemic plans issued by the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense would be reviewed and evaluated by... Read More »
CEPI invests $3.5M in Clover for COVID-19 vaccine candidate
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) will invest $3.5 million in Clover Biopharmaceuticals Australia to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. It is CEPIʻs ninth investment in a COVID-19 vaccine. The investments total $39.6 million. This latest investment will support Clover... Read More »
IAFC calling on Congress to clear logjams to get relief funding to firefighters
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is calling on Congress to clear regulatory logjams to get relief money from the CARES Act to firefighters and first responders. IAFC leaders say legal and regulatory minutiae is preventing funding from the Assistance for Firefighter Grant... Read More »
CBP intercepts $25M narcotic shipment
Laredo Port of Entry Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently executed a narcotics interception effort yielding hard narcotics with an estimated street value of more than $25 million. Authorities indicated the seizure occurred at the World Trade Bridge when an officer referred a... Read More »
House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats pressure Trump to resume WHO funding
Criticizing President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to end funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) as reckless, Democratic members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs called on the president to restore funding and to stop putting COVID-19 blame on the organization. Chairman... Read More »
KBR secures contract to expand DoD testing, training capabilities
Professional services and technology firm KBR has secured a $63.9 million Department of Defense (DoD) task order to develop interoperability solutions resulting in expanded military testing and training capabilities. KBR’s scope of work on the DoD’s Test Resource Management Center (TRMC)... Read More »
BARDA partners with America’s Blood Centers, InBios to utilize plasma and develop serological tests for COVID-19
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) announced two partnerships this week in its ongoing fight against COVID-19: America’s Blood Centers, to help collect and distribute convalescent plasma, and InBios International, Inc. to hasten the development of serological... Read More »
Rep. Lucas introduces legislation to authorize more research for COVID-19 fight
U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced a bill in the House that authorizes additional scientific research to fight the novel coronavirus and other infectious diseases. The legislation -- the Computing Opportunities to Vanquish Infectious Diseases Research Act of 2020 (the COVID Research Act)... Read More »
Sen. Grassley urges Trump officials to protect hospitals from PPE scammers
U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is urging the Trump Administration to shore up the safety of the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain and protect hospitals from scammers. “Hospitals and health care workers are busy saving lives and protecting the... Read More »