INSIGHT - Summer 2020

Summer 2020 | 6 Industry News Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine Generates Positive Results The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports positive results in a trial to develop a COVID-19 vaccine for the public. The NIH-sponsored Phase 1 trial tested the mRNA-1273 vaccine that is designed to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the novel strain of the coronavirus disease. In mid-July, the New England Journal of Medicine published findings that the mRNA- 1273 testing was well tolerated and prompted neutralizing antibody activity in healthy adults. The first participants received the vaccine in March, ranging in age from 18 to 55 years old. While there were no serious side effects, more than half reported fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia, or pain at the injection site. Phase 3 of the vaccine trial is underway now. More information can be found at www.nih.gov/news-events/news- releases/experimental-covid-19- vaccine-safe-generates-immune- response . Source: NIH Paycheck Protection Program Extended The Small Business Administration (SBA) extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). SBA loans are designed to help pharmacies keep employees on payroll during COVID-19. Community pharmacies and long-term care facilities should take advantage of the PPP, to ensure they are able to provide healthcare to patients during this time. The SBA will forgive loans, if all employee retention criteria are met. The loans can also be used for eligible expenses. Listen to QS/1’s QCompass podcast to learn more. Source: SBA FDA Warns Potentially Toxic Hand Sanitizers The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers and healthcare providers about the risks associated with some hand sanitizer products. The FDA reports an increase in hand sanitizers that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but have also tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. The FDA stresses methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers. People who have been exposed to methanol can have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death. Pharmacies can see a list of hand sanitizer products that contain methanol at www.fda.gov/drugs/ drug-safety-and-availability/ fda-updates-hand-sanitizers- methanol#products. Source: FDA