NIH to Track Children with COVID Over Three Years
The NIH has embarked on a long-term study of the impact that COVID-19 has had on children. The trial will enroll up to 1,000 children and young adults who have previously tested positive for the virus and will follow them for three years to see how COVID-19 has affected their physical health and mental health. “Although we know that children are vulnerable to COVID-19, we still do not have a clear picture of how COVID-19 affects them in the long term,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MD. “In adult patients, the long-term sequelae of COVID, including post-acute COVID-19, can significantly affect quality of life. Our investigations into the pediatric population will deepen our understanding of the public health impact that the pandemic has had and will continue to have in the months and years to come.” The study can be found in the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Initiative underway at the NIH. Read More
Nasal Powder Inhaler May Block Cold, COVID-19 Infection
According to Nasus Pharma, its nasal powder inhaler can effectively block viruses from reaching the nasal mucosa, significantly reducing infection by the common cold. The product, called Taffix, also showed a positive trend toward reducing the risk of infection with COVID-19. The study, conducted in Bulgaria prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, compared outcomes for 260 people who received the inhaler and 257 who did not. The trial stopped early to allow participants to become vaccinated. “These results, added to the additional laboratory and clinical studies we have published earlier this year, demonstrate the robustness of the scientific evidence that supports Taffix‘s ability to block viruses in the nasal cavity and prevent viral infections,” said Nasus Pharma CEO Dr. Dalia Megiddo. Read More
Multi-Dose Presentation of New Influenza Vaccine Will Support Government’s Influenza Pandemic Response
The FDA has approved a multi-dose presentation of AUDENZ to protect adults and children age six months and older against influenza. The vaccine, approved in 2020 in a single dose, prefilled syringe format, is the first-ever adjuvanted, cell-based influenza vaccine. The multi-dose presentation is considered a significant step in the company’s work with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to find an influenza vaccine that will be useful in the event of an influenza pandemic. The company entered into a public-private partnership with HHS in 2009 to position the company to deliver 150 million doses to the government to support an influenza response within six months. Read More
New Ear-Worn Pulse Oximeter in the Works
OxiWear has closed its pre-seed funding round at $1.25 million to develop a pulse oximeter that is worn in the ear and can provide 24-hour, continuous oxygen monitoring and low oxygen alerting. The company believes the product, which could be ready for beta-testing in mid-2022, can be helpful for people with diseases such as COPD, sleep apnea, and COVID-19, along with elite athletes and high-altitude travelers. Company CEO and Founder Shavini Fernando, who suffers from pulmonary hypertension, developed the device. “OxiWear is a product that I developed to help patients like me,” she said. The company is currently completing its pre-submission meetings with the FDA for its medical device designation. Read More
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Debbie Bunch is an AARC contributor who writes feature articles, news stories, and other content for Newsroom, the AARC website, and associated emailed newsletters. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Connect with Debbie by email or on AARConnect or LinkedIn.
