6 chapters across the catalog
Scott Gottlieb, Antibody Prophylaxis, Sophisticated Physicians
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb appeared on CNBC to discuss breakthrough infections and the lack of real-time tracking. Gottlieb advocated for the use of antibody drugs as a prophylaxis for immunocompromised patients. He noted that "sophisticated physicians" are already using these treatments off-label, though they are not yet widely available to the general public.
Pierre Kory, Ivermectin Miraculous Impact Testimony
Dr. Pierre Kory testified before the Senate, claiming that ivermectin has a "miraculous impact" on COVID-19 transmission and mortality. Representing the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, Kory cited mountains of data from randomized controlled trials showing the drug's effectiveness as a prophylactic. He expressed frustration that the NIH has not updated its recommendations to include repurposed drugs.
Kayleigh McEnany, Media Double Standards and Global COVID Studies
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended the President's use of hydroxychloroquine by citing studies from France, Italy, and South Korea. She highlighted media hypocrisy, noting that CNN's Chris Cuomo reportedly took quinine—a less safe version of the drug—despite criticizing the President. McEnany emphasized the drug's 65-year safety profile for lupus and malaria.
Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that the NIH is sponsoring ten new clinical trials for potential COVID-19 therapeutics. These trials aim to determine the safety and efficacy of various candidates for use as both treatment and prophylaxis, with results expected by the following winter.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Anecdotal Evidence vs. Clinical Trials
Dr. Anthony Fauci clarifies that current evidence for hydroxychloroquine is anecdotal and lacks the validation of controlled clinical trials. While the FDA is looking into expanded access, Fauci emphasizes the need for rigorous protocols to determine safety and efficacy before making definitive medical statements.
Tamiflu Market Dynamics, Antiviral Resistance
The discussion turns to the pharmaceutical industry's management of antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza. Dvorak notes that older, cheaper generics like Flumidine have largely disappeared from the market, while expensive treatments like Tamiflu face rising resistance. They suggest the current flu scare might be a mechanism to deplete aging stockpiles of medication before they become ineffective.
