The FDA today took action to clear up the mess in COVID-19 blood testing. You might remember that blood tests for COVID-19 were allowed to enter the US under a special emergency use approval (EUA) called Part D. Under this special exemption, a test could be imported and sold on a “promise” that the manufacturerContinue reading “The FDA puts the hammer down on unapproved blood tests – sort of.”
Author Archives: jbakerjrblog
Is Michigan really “leading the country” for COVID-19 deaths?
Today I address a remarkable announcement from CBS WWMT (Channel 3) in Grand Rapids Michigan. Their website proudly announces that Michigan has “the nation’s highest COVID-19 death rate.” They also definitively state that the elevated COVID-19 death rate in some Michigan counties was based on “differences in economics.” They came to this conclusion because theyContinue reading “Is Michigan really “leading the country” for COVID-19 deaths?”
Biscuit is Faster Than Ever!
We suffered one of the risks of working from home this week as our wireless router literally melted down (true story). After some negotiations and a triangulation between Best Buy and Comcast, we were up running again at much faster speed. Biscuit took advantage of this to stream his favorite show Schitts Creek (he lovesContinue reading “Biscuit is Faster Than Ever!”
Truly Good News: FDA Approval for Remdesivir
The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it has provided Emergency Use Approval (EUA) for remdesivir in treating coronavirus patients who require hospitalization. With this approval, the drug is only available if administered intravenously, once a day for up to 10 days. No oral use of remdesivir has been tested or approved. EUA isContinue reading “Truly Good News: FDA Approval for Remdesivir”
Is it wrong to investigate if the coronavirus came from a lab accident?
Today I want to highlight two articles from different news sources. The first is from the Associated Press and outlines findings from the US intelligence community (IC) that have definitively concluded the current coronavirus outbreak was not caused by a purposely engineered virus. However, it says the IC is still examining whether the pandemic mayContinue reading “Is it wrong to investigate if the coronavirus came from a lab accident?”
Confirmed: Government Trial Shows Efficacy for Remdesivir in COVID Infection!
A placebo-controlled, government run trial of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 infection reportedly met its “primary efficacy endpoint” according to Gilead Sciences. Having shown efficacy in this large, controlled trial could help to resolve the questions raised in prior testing of the drug. NIH has now issued a statement about the trial outcome. In it theyContinue reading “Confirmed: Government Trial Shows Efficacy for Remdesivir in COVID Infection!”
Breaking: Government Trial Shows Efficacy for Remdesivir in COVID Infection
A placebo-controlled, government run trial of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 infection reportedly met its “primary efficacy endpoint” according to Gilead Sciences. While we are waiting for more information on the results, having shown efficacy in this large (800 patient), controlled trial could help to resolve the questions raised in prior testing of the drug. MoreContinue reading “Breaking: Government Trial Shows Efficacy for Remdesivir in COVID Infection”
Sweden May Show the US the Way Forward
As we try to extract ourselves from lockdown, one approach to move forward is based on Sweden’s response to the pandemic. For those who haven’t heard of Sweden’s approach, they are not doing universal social distancing, did not close down any businesses, and did not cancel any large events. Sweden’s plan was crafted by theirContinue reading “Sweden May Show the US the Way Forward”
NYC Passes the 25% Threshold While Anti-IL6 Results Confound
The latest COVID-19 figures from NYC are in and they are as impressive as the Skyline! Governor Cuomo announced that 25% of NYC residents are positive on COVID antibody (blood) testing, while 15% of NY State residents are positive. This means that when the blood test was done, 25% of NYC residents and 15% ofContinue reading “NYC Passes the 25% Threshold While Anti-IL6 Results Confound”
IN REALITY, WHO GETS SICK FROM COVID?
Summary: Almost everyone hospitalized with COVID-19 has a pre-existing health problem! One of the things I find most frustrating is how the news media has not accurately portrayed the health risks from COVID-19. It seems there is an ongoing effort to scare the general population about their risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.Continue reading “IN REALITY, WHO GETS SICK FROM COVID?”
Pandemic Pondering 