Business in Brief
The industry’s contributions to the global fight against COVID-19
- In light of global PPE shortages, SimulEYE has shifted its focus from the design of ophthalmic surgical training models to the manufacture and sale of protective equipment. The line currently consists of extra-large breath and germ shields and face masks, all built in the USA to stringent medical guidelines.
- Johnson & Johnson has partnered with BARDA to accelerate research into a potential COVID-19 vaccine. They have collectively invested $1 billion to increase global manufacturing capacity in the hopes of supplying more than one billion doses of the vaccine. Phase 1 human clinical studies are expected to start by September 2020, with the first batches available for use expected in early 2021.
- ImprimisRx has announced an exclusive agreement with US platform, Doxy.me, to provide more than 100,000 healthcare professionals with the Clinic level Doxy.me telemedicine solution for free. The move comes as recent regulation changes allow telemedicine services to cross state lines, limiting the need for face-to-face interaction.
- Bausch Health Companies has outlined several initiatives to support healthcare providers during the pandemic. They are ramping up production of chloroquine and azithromycin with the goal of donating products where and when needed, and have already begun donating antiviral VIRAZOL for nebulization in Italy.
- The US Federal Communications Commission has funneled $200 million into not-for-profit and teaching hospitals, clinics and local health agencies to support telehealth as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
I’ve always loved telling stories. So much so, I decided to make a job of it. I finished a Masters in Magazine Journalism and spent three years working as a creative copywriter before itchy feet sent me (back)packing. It took seven months and 13 countries, but I’m now happily settled on The Ophthalmologist, where I’m busy getting stuck into all things eyeballs.
