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 FDA faults quality control at plant making COVID drug
U.S. drug inspectors uncovered serious quality control problems at
an Eli Lilly plant that is ramping up to manufacture one of two
promising COVID-19 drugs touted by President Trump as a "cure" for
the disease, according to government documents and three sources
familiar with the matter.
The Lilly antibody therapy, which is experimental and not yet
approved by regulators, is similar to a drug from Regeneron
Pharmaceuticals that was given to the president during his bout with
COVID-19.
Trump has called for both therapies to become available immediately
on an emergency basis.
Humidity affects aerosol spread
A Japanese supercomputer showed that humidity can have a large
effect on the dispersion of virus particles, pointing to heightened
contagion risks in dry, indoor conditions during the winter months.
The finding suggests that the use of humidifiers may help limit
infections during times when window ventilation is not possible,
according to a study released by research giant Riken and Kobe
University.
The researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the emission
and flow of virus-like particles from infected people in a variety
of indoor environments.
UK, Italy, Spain had high 'excess deaths' in first wave
Britain, Italy and Spain had the highest rates of so-called "excess
deaths" from all causes, including COVID-19, among 21 developed
countries during the first wave of the pandemic, an international
study has found.
Some 206,000 more people died between mid-February and the end of
May in the 21 countries in total than would have been expected to
die had the pandemic not taken place -- an 18% increase in deaths,
scientists said.
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England and Wales accounted for 28% of all the excess deaths, Italy for 24%, and
Spain 22%.
Poland 'on the brink of disaster'
Poland reported a record 6,526 new coronavirus infections and 116 deaths on
Wednesday and doctors warned the healthcare system was becoming overloaded.
The country of 38 million has now recorded 141,804 confirmed coronavirus cases
and 3,217 deaths.
"I don't have any good information. We are on the brink of disaster,"
immunologist Pawel Grzesiowski told private radio station RMF. He said Poland
should be doing more testing, closing schools and supporting doctors in their
fight against the pandemic.
Pope keeps his distance
Pope Francis stayed a safe distance from well-wishers at his weekly general
audience on Wednesday, saying new rules aimed at curbing the coronavirus meant
he had to hold back.
"I would like to, as I usually do, go down and get closer to greet you. But with
the new regulations, it is better if we keep a distance," Francis said from a
stage.
"It often happens that when I go down, everybody gets close and piles up. And
it's a problem because there is a risk of infection. This way, everyone wearing
their mask and maintaining their distance, we can go forward with the
audiences."
(Compiled by Linda Noakes; Editing by Catherine Evans)
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