Alana Hippensteele, Editor

The development of the COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222 has expanded into a phase 3 trial that is enrolling 30,000 adults aged 18 years or older to assess its safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity.

A recent survey showed that 86% of community pharmacists plan to offer the COVID-19 vaccines once they become available, whereas another 12% responded that they want more information to determine their decision.

Current advances in the analysis of the mutational status of different genes are providing investigators insights into new treatment pathways that can improve outcomes for patients.

Evolocumab in combination with statins and other lipid-lowering therapies was found to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

A new medication for certain rare blood cancers has now become available through a limited distribution with AllianceRx Walgreens Prime.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has urged governors and state executive teams to take actions to support vaccine access for patients from their local pharmacies.

Researchers at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa observed a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of obesity and negative outcomes from COVID-19.

The FDA has approved a liquid biopsy test for all solid tumors with multiple companion diagnostic indications, including for rucaparib tablets.

Researchers have found that gene expression associated with aging was higher in young cancer survivors who are frail and in young patients with cancer following their treatment with chemotherapy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order in his state to increase the availability of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived COVID-19 testing.

The Department of Defense awarded Adaptive Phage Therapeutics $9.8 million for the development of multiple high-priority, bacteriophage-based display vaccine candidates against COVID-19.

The identification of a key enzyme in the development of eczema may lead to better treatment of the disorder.

The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID-19.

A simulation model of multiple designs for taxes on sugary drinks showed that each tax design would generate substantial health advantages, but certain models held more advantages than others.

Following the expansion of Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, individuals with low income are less likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Women prescribed beta blockers for hypertension who have no history of cardiovascular disease have a 4.6% greater risk of heart failure than men when experiencing acute coronary syndrome.

The FDA has approved an expansion of the prescribing information for carfilzomib to include its use with daratumumab and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

The mortality rates for complex cancer procedures was shown to differ significantly depending on whether the procedure took place at 1-star hospitals or 5-star hospitals.

The American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and National Community Pharmacists Association released statements applauding the decision by the HHS to authorize pharmacists to order and administer vaccines for children.

There is a clear connection between the stress hormone cortisol and higher blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Abdominal weight gain during the postmenopausal period is associated with the use of antidepressants, beta-blockers, and insulin during the menopause transition.

Medical oncologists globally should not discontinue or delay anti-cancer treatment that may potentially impact overall survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an article in The BMJ, a panel of international experts presented recommendations regarding the use of remdesivir in patients with severe COVID-19, despite little evidence to support such a decision.

New research suggests it is possible to treat cognitive decline with personalized, precision medicine.

Mortality rates from non-small cell lung cancer have significantly declined in the United States in recent years.

Four new subtypes of cells within triple-negative breast cancer have been uncovered, containing promising new therapeutic targets for the disease.

Cancer survivors’ lean body mass found to be lower than the general population, which was connected with prior abdominal or pelvic radiation.

Researchers attempt to address a lack of evidence showing that schools have a role in the transmission of COVID-19.

NACDS states that although prescription drug discount cards were put in place to reduce out-of-pocket costs, states have been using the data in a manner inconsistent with federal law and policy.

Intranasal vaccine platform may allow for an immune response to be induced more precisely to provide the best possible protection from coronavirus disease 2019.