Study to Compare Outcomes for Vaccinated, Non-Vaccinated Health Care Workers
Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA will be studying the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in health care workers, thanks to a $4.9 million grant from the CDC. The study will enroll 10,000 health care personnel from 16 academic medical centers located across the country. It will follow both vaccinated and non-vaccinated workers who get tested for the virus after experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms. The year-long trial will compare the incidence of COVID-19 between the two groups. The investigators will also report outcomes on illness severity between those who were vaccinated and those who were not. Read More
Pulmatrix to Regain Rights to COPD Drug
Pulmatrix has regained full rights to its narrow spectrum kinase inhibitor portfolio, including PUR1800, an inhaled medication that may benefit COPD patients who suffer an acute exacerbation. The rights were reinstated after Johnsons & Johnson’s Enterprise Innovation decided to terminate the company’s license, development, and commercialization agreement. Data from long-term toxicology studies on PUR1800 are expected in the third quarter of this year, and dosing in the company’s Phase 1b clinical study is ongoing. “Our prior agreement with Johnson & Johnson greatly advanced our PUR1800 program, fully funding both our ongoing Phase 1b study and ongoing long-term toxicology studies,” said CEO Ted Raad. “With data from these studies expected before year-end, we expect to be positioned to advance our planned Phase 2b study in AECOPD treatment.” Read More
Respinova Ltd. Receives FDA Approval for Pulsehaler
According to Respinova Ltd., a medical technology company based in Israel, it has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its Pulsehaler. This new kind of inhaler is driven by an internal turbine and multi-frequency vibration disc, making it possible for the device to send air pressure pulsations directly into the lung, facilitating ease of use for patients with airway restrictions. “Despite the available pharma treatments, patients with COPD, asthma, CF, and other respiratory diseases unfortunately still suffer from poor quality of life,” said Raphael Breuer, MD, former head of the Institute of Pulmonology at Hadassah University Medical Center. “Pulsehaler brings a novel approach that will help patients with these conditions open their airways, which should improve their symptoms significantly.” Read More
AAN to Launch Virtual Fitness Challenge in May
Asthma Awareness Month is coming up in May, and the Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) is marking the occasion this year with its first-ever Virtual Fitness Challenge. The online fitness program was developed with the support of Virginia-based certified personal trainer Shannon Simpson and will take a whole-body approach to lung health and overall wellness. The Fitness Challenge begins on May 1 with a walk/run at your own pace and will continue throughout the month with daily physical activities designed to strengthen the core and improve balance. Yoga sessions will be part of the mix as well. Registration for the Challenge is $20, with proceeds going to the AAN’s outreach, education, advocacy, and research programs. Participants who email their completed calendar to the AAN at the end of May will be in the running to win a Fitbit-4 and workout equipment. 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.
