AstraZeneca Vaccine Data | Rocket Lab Launches & Lands | Thanksgiving Numbers

Plus: Covid-19 infected minks found in Poland

Another week, another set of positive data from a Covid-19 vaccine. On Monday, AstraZeneca released interim data showing that the vaccine it’s developed with Oxford University is up to 90% effective, depending on the dosing regimen. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are based on an mRNA platform, the AstraZeneca vaccine delivers a portion of the coronavirus’ spike protein to the body using a modified chimpanzee cold virus in order to stimulate the immune response. All three companies are moving forward through the regulatory process, with Pfizer having submitted for an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA on Friday.  

Beyond vaccines, treatments for Covid-19 are moving forward as well. Regeneron’s antibody for the disease received an EUA from the FDA over the weekend. Also, Eli Lilly received an EUA for the use of its rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib in combination with Gilead Science’s remdesivir. 

Got questions about the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University? We break it down for you.

Noteworthy

The World Health Organization has launched a plan with an aim of eradicating cervical cancer once and for all. 

Walgreens is the latest drugstore giant to promise its customers access to Covid-19 vaccines once they’re available. 

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, most fully insured health plans have voluntarily waived consumers’ costs for Covid-19 care. 

Walmart is opening two new health centers in Chicago neighborhoods as part of a “renewed commitment to a city that has been through a lot,” the company said. 

Across Forbes

• Rocket Lab Becomes Second Company After SpaceX To Launch And Land Orbital Rocket

• With Toyota’s Help, This Secretive Entrepreneur May Finally Give Us Flying Cars

• Are You Ready For A Jaw-Dropping December? How To Plan For A Trio Of Extra-Special Celestial Sights

• America’s Pandemic Thanksgiving Is Almost Here And The Numbers Will Surprise You

What Else We Are Reading

• Raging at the pandemic, a VC raises $800M for a company that aims to transform biotech manufacturing (STAT)

• Can a hunter outrun an antelope? This ultra-marathoner is finding out. (Popular Science)

• A Game Designer’s Analysis Of QAnon (Medium)