• J & J announces the launch of a 60,000-person, phase III trial of its coronavirus vaccine in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and the US. This vaccine has several advantages over other candidates in late-stage development: it relies on proven technology, does not require freezing and is given in a single dose. The company has also released its US study protocol. Sources 1,2
• President Trump denounces upcoming FDA guidance on obtaining an EUA for experimental coronavirus vaccines as a “political move,” saying that he might not approve them, as his Chief of Staff calls FDA head Dr Stephen Hahn to insist that detailed justification is provided for stricter guidelines. Source
