Roche and Tamiflu®: Doing Business in the Shadow of Pandemic

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Feddersen ◽  
Jochen Gottschalk ◽  
Lars Peters
Keyword(s):  
Patent Protection ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Profit Maximization ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Western World ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Bird Flu ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Spanish Flu

The spread of bird flu outside of Asia, particularly in Africa and Europe, topped headlines in 2006. The migration of wild birds brought the virus to Europe, where for the first time it spread to productive livestock, bringing it closer to the Western world. Due to today's globalized and highly interconnected world, the consequences of a potential bird flu pandemic are expected to be much more severe than those of the Spanish flu, which killed 50-100 million people between 1918 and 1921. A vaccine for the bird virus is currently not available. As of July 2006, 232 cases of human infection had been documented, mostly through direct contact with poultry. Of those, 134 people died. The best medication available to treat bird flu was Roche's antiviral drug Tamiflu. However, Tamiflu was not widely available; current orders of government bodies would not be fulfilled until the end of 2008. Well aware that today's avian flu might become a global pandemic comparable to the Spanish flu, Roche CEO Franz Humer had to decide how Roche should respond. While the pharmaceutical industry continued its research efforts on vaccines and medications, Tamiflu could play an important role by protecting healthcare workers and helping to contain the virus---or at least slow down its spread. Due to patent protection and a complicated production process with scarce raw ingredients, Roche had been the only producer of the drug. Partly in response to U.S. political pressure, in November 2005 Roche allowed Gilead to produce Tamiflu as well. Even so, it would take at least until late 2007 for Roche and Gilead to meet the orders of governments worldwide. The issue was a difficult one for Roche: What were the risks; what were the opportunities? If a pandemic occurred before sufficient stockpiles of Tamiflu had been built up, would Roche be held responsible? What steps, if any, should Roche take with respect to patent protection and production licensing in the shadow of a potential pandemic?Students will weigh the benefits of short-term profit maximization against the risks that a highly uncertain event could pose to a business and consider nonstandard approaches to mitigate these risks. Students will discuss the challenges of addressing low-probability, high-impact events; potential conflicts with the short-term view of the stock market and analyst community; and challenges of the patent protection model for drugs for life-threatening diseases.

scholarly journals Staying Home, Staying Alive: Campus Food Pantry Student Clients’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 193672442110356
Author(s):  
Elmira Jangjou
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Postsecondary Students ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Seeking Help

In response to students’ food insecurity, a number of colleges and universities have taken action and established campus food pantries as part of their intervention plans. However, many of these pantries ceased operation due to COVID-19 campus shutdowns. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary students, who use a university-provided food pantry. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, the thematic analysis explored the initial coping strategies these students used to endure the pandemic. Findings revealed that many students experienced the immediate effects of the pandemic in the form of income loss, self-isolation, anxiety, and appetite change. Although the pandemic interrupted these students’ journeys to continue their studies and become independent in various ways, the affected students implemented various coping strategies, including seeking help from family or friends, using available resources, cooking at home, and even trying to save money. However, considering that the targeted population in this study was already at risk because of their basic needs insecurity, these postsecondary students require extra attention from their higher education institutions in the case of emergencies, such as a global pandemic. In addition to its timely and relevant findings, this study provides important avenues for future research and intervention efforts.

scholarly journals Discovery of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Human Adenovirus Capable of Preventing Escape from the Endosome

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1617
Author(s):  
Jimin Xu ◽  
Judith Berastegui-Cabrera ◽  
Marta Carretero-Ledesma ◽  
Haiying Chen ◽  
Yu Xue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potent Inhibitor ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Human Adenovirus ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Salicylamide Derivatives

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) display a wide range of tissue tropism and can cause an array of symptoms from mild respiratory illnesses to disseminated and life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, no antiviral drug has been approved specifically for the treatment of HAdV infections. Herein, we report our continued efforts to optimize salicylamide derivatives and discover compound 16 (JMX0493) as a potent inhibitor of HAdV infection. Compound 16 displays submicromolar IC50 values, a higher selectivity index (SI > 100) and 2.5-fold virus yield reduction compared to our hit compound niclosamide. Moreover, unlike niclosamide, our mechanistic studies suggest that the antiviral activity of compound 16 against HAdV is achieved through the inhibition of viral particle escape from the endosome, which bars subsequent uncoating and the presentation of lytic protein VI.

scholarly journals A comparison of surgical pulmonary embolectomy and catheter-directed lysis for life-threatening pulmonary emboli

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amalia A Winters ◽  
Michael J McDaniel ◽  
Jose N Binongo ◽  
Rena C Moon ◽  
Wissam A Jaber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Pulmonary Emboli ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pulmonary Embolectomy ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Catheter Directed Thrombolysis ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Rv Function

Abstract OBJECTIVES Patients with life-threatening pulmonary emboli (PE) have traditionally been treated with anticoagulation alone, yet emerging data suggest that more aggressive therapy may improve short-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes between catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDL) and surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) in the treatment of life-threatening PE. METHODS A retrospective single-centre observational study was conducted for patients who underwent SPE or CDL at a single US academic centre. Preprocedural and postprocedural echocardiographic data were collected. Unadjusted regression models were constructed to assess the significance of the between-group postoperative differences. RESULTS A total of 126 patients suffered a life-threatening PE during the study period [60 SPE (47.6%), 66 CDL 52.4%]. Ten (24.4%) SPE patients and 10 (15.2%) CDL patients had massive PEs marked by preprocedural hypotension. Six (10.0%) SPE patients and 4 (6.0%) CDL patients suffered a preprocedure cardiac arrest (P = 0.41). In-hospital mortality rate was 3.3% (2) for SPE, and 3.0% (2) for CDL (P = 0.99). SPE patients were more likely to require prolonged ventilation (15.0% vs 1.5%, P = 0.01). No significant differences were found in other major complications. At baseline echocardiography, 76.9% of SPE patients and 56.9% of CDL patients had moderate or severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Both treatment groups showed marked and durable improvement in echocardiographic markers of RV function from baseline at midterm follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Both SPE and CDL can be applied to well-selected high-risk patients with low rates of morbidity and mortality. Further research is necessary to delineate which patients would benefit most from either SPE or CDL following a life-threatening PE.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE OF CITIZENS THROUGH THE PRISM OF LINGUISTIC PSYCHOLOGY

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1753-1768
Author(s):  
M.A. Pronin ◽  
◽  
V.V. Ananishnev ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Personnel ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Spanish Flu ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Psychological Assistance ◽  
Academy Of Sciences

The coronavirus pandemic, which has become a challenge not only for doctors, but also for psychologists around the world, will have a long-term psychological effect for Russians. At the same time, a way out of the crisis can, on the contrary, make people stronger and speed up the economic recovery, as it was after the plague and the Spanish flu, experts say. According to historical data on the consequences of plague and Spanish flu epidemics in Europe and the United States, given in a report by Dmitry Ushakov, Director of the Institute of psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it often turned out that people who survived them lived longer, and the most affected regions showed higher recovery rates. Experts note the growing demand for psychological assistance among people who have witnessed a global pandemic. Problems related to the consequences of stress that people faced in self-isolation have become more acute. These are also problems related to the violation of the traditional way of life, being isolated, in General, there is a certain aggression around the world, an increase in domestic violence, and many other issues. Psychologists found themselves in the situation of an included experiment. Despite the absence of a “mental epidemic”, citizens of various countries, experiencing fear and confusion, turned to its Internet to get the necessary information about the pandemic in order to eliminate fears for their health and the health of their relatives, including mental health. Its Internet today contains a lot of chats (correspondence) both in the professional language among medical personnel, as well as non-specialists. Thus, the pandemic has started to have an impact not only on health but also on the language itself. Some of the opportunities that can give science and society to learn the language of the pandemic are discussed in this article.

A RARE CASE OF NEONATE WITH SEVERE LUNG DISEASE SECONDARY TO COVID 19 DISEASE

2021 ◽  
pp. 4-5
Author(s):  
Vishal Dnyaneshwar Sawant ◽  
Murtuja Shaikh ◽  
Sushma Malik ◽  
Poonam Wade ◽  
Santosh Kondekar
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Similar Disease ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Protective Strategies

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic affecting many countries. The disease is affecting all age groups but data so far has shown that infants and children seem to be at a lower risk of severe infection. This case emphasis that neonates too can have life threatening pulmonary disease that mimics a similar disease course to that described in adults with COVID-19 infection. We report a 21-day-old neonate who presented with fever and signicant positive history of COVID 19 infection in family and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The SARSCoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab was positive and chest computed tomography had classical changes of COVID 19 infection. Good hydration, lung protective strategies, intravenous immunoglobulin and supportive care led to complete recovery in the patient.

The development of patient-centric sampling as an enabling technology for clinical trials

Bioanalysis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 971-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin P Bateman
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Human Biology ◽  
Information Revolution ◽  
Enabling Technology ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Patient Centric ◽  
At Home

Accessing patient samples using a whenever/wherever paradigm is needed to enable a better understanding of human biology and disease. The technology for convenient self-collection of blood samples by patients at home is quickly becoming available. The potential benefits of patient-centric sampling far outweigh the short-term challenges associated with implementation of this disruptive approach. This is especially true given we are amid a global pandemic and enabling patients to sample at home would help not only clinical trials, but healthcare in general. This perspective article aims to convince the reader that patient-centric sampling is a reality and that we are on the cusp of an information revolution in clinical trials that will be enabled by patient-centric (e.g., at home) sampling.

scholarly journals Mutant and Recombinant Phages Selected from In Vitro Coevolution Conditions Overcome Phage-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Lee Peters ◽  
Yaxiong Song ◽  
Daniel W. Bryan ◽  
Lauren K. Hudson ◽  
Thomas G. Denes
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Phage Resistance ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Bacteriophages (phages) are currently available for use by the food industry to control the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Although phage biocontrols are effective under specific conditions, their use can select for phage-resistant bacteria that repopulate phage-treated environments. Here, we performed short-term coevolution experiments to investigate the impact of single phages and a two-phage cocktail on the regrowth of phage-resistant L. monocytogenes and the adaptation of the phages to overcome this resistance. We used whole-genome sequencing to identify mutations in the target host that confer phage resistance and in the phages that alter host range. We found that infections with Listeria phages LP-048, LP-125, or a combination of both select for different populations of phage-resistant L. monocytogenes bacteria with different regrowth times. Phages isolated from the end of the coevolution experiments were found to have gained the ability to infect phage-resistant mutants of L. monocytogenes and L. monocytogenes strains previously found to be broadly resistant to phage infection. Phages isolated from coinfected cultures were identified as recombinants of LP-048 and LP-125. Interestingly, recombination events occurred twice independently in a locus encoding two proteins putatively involved in DNA binding. We show that short-term coevolution of phages and their hosts can be utilized to obtain mutant and recombinant phages with adapted host ranges. These laboratory-evolved phages may be useful for limiting the emergence of phage resistance and for targeting strains that show general resistance to wild-type (WT) phages. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is a life-threatening bacterial foodborne pathogen that can persist in food processing facilities for years. Phages can be used to control L. monocytogenes in food production, but phage-resistant bacterial subpopulations can regrow in phage-treated environments. Coevolution experiments were conducted on a Listeria phage-host system to provide insight into the genetic variation that emerges in both the phage and bacterial host under reciprocal selective pressure. As expected, mutations were identified in both phage and host, but additionally, recombination events were shown to have repeatedly occurred between closely related phages that coinfected L. monocytogenes. This study demonstrates that in vitro evolution of phages can be utilized to expand the host range and improve the long-term efficacy of phage-based control of L. monocytogenes. This approach may also be applied to other phage-host systems for applications in biocontrol, detection, and phage therapy.

scholarly journals Systematic review of clinical outcomes after prophylactic surgery

2016 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 353-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
CR Davis ◽  
AEJ Trevatt ◽  
A Dixit ◽  
V Datta
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Prophylactic Surgery ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of

Introduction Prophylactic appendicectomy is performed prior to military, polar and space expeditions to prevent acute appendicitis in the field. However, the risk–benefit ratio of prophylactic surgery is controversial. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence for prophylactic appendicectomy. It is supplemented by a clinical example of prophylactic surgery resulting in life-threatening complications. Methods A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE® and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Keyword variants of ‘prophylaxis’ and ‘appendicectomy’ were combined to identify potential papers for inclusion. Papers related to prophylactic appendicectomy risks and benefits were reviewed. Results Overall, 511 papers were identified, with 37 papers satisfying the inclusion criteria. Nine reported outcomes after incidental appendicectomy during concurrent surgical procedures. No papers focused explicitly on prophylactic appendicectomy in asymptomatic patients. The clinical example outlined acute obstruction secondary to adhesions from a prophylactic appendicectomy. Complications after elective appendicectomy versus the natural history of acute appendicitis in scenarios such as polar expeditions or covert operations suggest prophylactic appendicectomy may be appropriate prior to extreme situations. Nevertheless, the long-term risk of adhesion related complications render prophylactic appendicectomy feasible only when the short-term risk of acute appendicitis outweighs the long-term risks of surgery. Conclusions Prophylactic appendicectomy is rarely performed and not without risk. This is the first documented evidence of long-term complications following prophylactic appendicectomy. Surgery should be considered on an individual basis by balancing the risks of acute appendicitis in the field with the potential consequences of an otherwise unnecessary surgical procedure in a healthy patient.

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