PLDT-Smart Foundation donates 20,000 surgical masks to the Philippine General Hospital.
MANILA, Philippines, April 23, 2020 –Health workers at the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 in Metro Manila have received fresh support in the form of face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPEs).
The PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) has turned over 50,000 face masks and other PPEs to various hospitals in the Metro.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines receives reusable face masks from the PLDT-Smart Foundation.
The Philippine General Hospital, which is one of the COVID referral hospitals in the country, received 20,000 surgical masks for their frontline health workers from PLDT and PSF.
Several hospitals and government response teams also received 50 hazmat suits each from PSF with the assistance of the Makati Medical Center Foundation. This includes the Rizal Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Philippine National Police is provided with reusable face masks and Ascorbic Acid from PSF.
“We are one with our frontline health workers in fighting this pandemic. All our efforts are focused on equipping them with the resources they need to protect and nourish them as they combat this virus,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos.
As part of this effort, ZTE Corporation recently turned over 10,000 surgical face masks to PSF to be distributed to hospitals in Metro Manila for the country’s frontline health workers.
Moreover, St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga, a missionary center that provides care for homeless individuals in Metro Manila, was a recipient of reusable masks and sacks of rice from the foundation.
Frontline checkpoint officers from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines were also provided with reusable face masks and Ascorbic Acid from PSF.
To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19/.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform of Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches the ₱200 million Seller Support Package to support up to 80,000 Filipino Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), whose businesses have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The ₱200 million Seller Support Package aims to help Filipino SMEs and sellers navigate the current economic climate, during the time of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and beyond.
The Shopee Seller Support Package aims to support both local SMEs and sellers with an existing online presence as well as those looking to expand their businesses online, through the provision of education, funding, and subsidies. It serves to soften the economic decline faced by Filipino SMEs and sellers during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period, by empowering them with more sales and growth opportunities, reducing their operational costs and facilitating their long-term business sustainability.
The Shopee Seller Support Package aims to benefit sellers with the following initiatives:
1) Lowered Commission and Operational Costs:
○ Sellers who register for the package will receive reduced commission and transaction fees.
○ Sellers who sign up for the package can enjoy the Coin Cashback and Free Shipping programs free of charge for 1 month. In addition, sellers who are currently part of these programs will also enjoy reduced fees.
○ To ease SMEs and sellers’ operational costs, Shopee will also provide subsidies up to ₱15,000 per seller.
2) Increased Sales and Marketing Support:
○ SMEs and sellers who register for the package can receive sales and marketing support in the form of 20% off shop vouchers to boost their online visibility and sales.
3) Helping new sellers succeed online: Shopee will continue to offer training and support to help sellers start, succeed, and grow on Shopee. New SMEs and sellers looking to start their online businesses on Shopee can continue to enjoy all existing benefits, including zero registration fees and 0% commission fee for marketplace sellers; as well as educational support via Shopee University online courses.
In addition, Shopee will continue to monitor the situation closely and to adjust its seller policies where required, in order to help SMEs and sellers better adapt to the evolving situation.
Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines, said: “During these challenging times, it is important for us to find ways to help our sellers and SMEs maintain long-term business sustainability. The launch of the Shopee Seller Support Package is part of our larger commitment to support our local communities through this Covid-19 period. We will continue to work closely with our extended network of partners, sellers, and shoppers to adapt our business and initiatives where required, as we remain united in getting through this together as one big community.”
[April 23, 2020] Jett Pangan found himself singing a familiar song in unfamiliar territory when he had to revive “Salamat” in a tribute video reflecting meaningful connections in the time of COVID-19.
Produced by Smart Communications, The Dawn’s frontman traded the original rock arrangement of the song for a subdued yet moving version of the late ’80s classic.
Jett said singing “Salamat” during this difficult time was at the very least emotional and reminded him of life’s simple constants. “Recording ‘Salamat’ in this context was a lot more emotional. It reminded me of just how important it is to feel support from family and friends in a very trying time even if we’re apart.”
He added, “There was a sense of comfort knowing that even if I’m physically limited to do ‘normal’ things because of the quarantine, I’m still able to take part in sharing a song that can help inspire people to hang in there and look forward to the day that we can go on with our lives without fear.”
Meaningful connections made simple
The video talks about simple connections that truly matter. This part of technology has been available to us even before ECQ time but we tend to appreciate it more now as we rely more on the internet to reach out to our loved ones and friends.
Aware of the limitations of the current situation, Jett shared, “People seem to view the song as a shout-out to one another, at a time when we can’t hug or even shake hands but nevertheless try to unite in stopping the spread of the virus.”
The singer and stage actor also recalled the first time he recorded “Salamat.” “The main guitar chords within ‘Salamat’ were inspired by another song of The Dawn called ‘I Stand With You.’ It’s a case of one song giving birth to another. When we (The Dawn) created this song, we wanted it to express hope in any situation. Thus, the original lyrics went: ‘Sa lungkot at kaligayahan/Tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maasahan.”
He also recalled that The Dawn intended for the song to serve a bigger purpose: “We hoped it would truly inspire people. Me and my bandmates in The Dawn enjoy creating songs that offer a glimmer of hope because it inspires us to go on living as well.”
Connected even when apart
For Smart, the network has been solidifying its commitment to keep people connected at a time when keeping in touch matters most.
“It is during these uncertain times that we strengthen our commitment to bring Filipinos together through digital technology,” said PLDT-Smart Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan.
The video, MVP added, also touches on a critical position to be of service during these uncertain times. “’Salamat’ reflects our sense of gratitude for being in this crucial position to serve and enable Filipinos to make the most meaningful connections despite many challenges.”
Coinciding with the launch of the video, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and Smart introduced a Text-to-Donate drive for COVID-19 frontliners that enables Smart, TNT, and Sun customers to contribute using their prepaid load or donations charged to their postpaid account. Aside from health workers and other frontliners, the target beneficiaries include communities hard-hit by the public health emergency.
This Text-to-Donate platform makes it so much easier for millions of its customers across the Philippines to unite for a good cause and contribute in their own little way – just by sending a simple text message. To donate, Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers simply have to textDONATE<Space><Amount> and send to 3456.
Subscribers may donate in the amounts of 10; 25; 50; 100; and 500. For example, customers who want to send Php10 may just text DONATE<Space> 10 and send to 3456. The donation drive will run from April 22 to July 16, 2020.
Follow Smart Communications on Facebook and @livesmart on Instagram and Twitter for more details.
Scientists from UP Diliman’s Philippine Genome Center who will sequence samples from COVID-19 patients admitted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), The Medical City, and PGH, received 20 desktop computers donated by Meralco, through OMF.
One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) social development arm, has mobilized to help thousands of homeless families and frontline medical personnel heavily impacted by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and the current enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed on Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
Without a roof over their heads, families living on the streets are among the most vulnerable as they are exposed to the elements and lack access to the basic necessities.
In partnership with TV5’s Alagang Kapatid Foundation (AKFI), Maynilad, and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), OMF distributed food packs on March 24, benefiting 200 families living along Kalayaan and E. Rodriguez avenues in Quezon City, and 500 marginalized families at Brgy. Buting, Pasig City.
In addition, the foundation gave out care packages in Tondo, Manila (300 families); Bacoor, Cavite (300 families); Brgy. Talon Cuatro, Las Pinas City (100 families); Pateros City (400 families); Brgy. Bukana, Ternate, Cavite (300 families); Malabon City (300 families); Caloocan City (300 families); Navotas City (150 families); Antipolo City, Rizal (200 families); Marikina City (300 families); Mandaluyong City (200 families); and San Juan City (200 families).
It also launched an internal online campaign within the Meralco organization to provide marginalized families in Metro Manila with grocery gift certificates – a project in collaboration with Caritas Manila that raised more than P1.5 million and benefited at least 1,500 families.
Meanwhile, OMF also responded to the needs of private and government-owned referral hospitals for personal protective equipment (PPEs) and basic safety gear for healthcare personnel attending to the rising number of COVID-19 patients. OMF donated 1,000 face masks to the Rizal Medical Center and the Philippine Heart Center, turned over 500 face masks, 450 goggles, and 4,000 surgical gloves to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and 2,000 surgical gloves to the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (Tala Sanitarium).
OMF also donated 450 face masks and 2,000 surgical gloves to the Lung Center of the Philippines, and 100 face masks and 400 surgical gloves to Baguio General Hospital.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa Manila, designated as the main COVID-19 referral hospital of the Metro Pacific Hospitals, received 1,600 face masks and 100 face shields.
Through the Eastern Police District of the Philippine National Police, One Meralco Foundation was able to reach out and provide food packs to 500 marginalized families in Brgy. Buting, Pasig City whose livelihoods have been impacted by the enhanced community quarantine.
The foundation also provided KN95 masks, goggles, and face shields to frontliners of various local governments in the Meralco franchise area, such as Marikina City, Batangas City, and San Pascual, Batangas.
OMF also sponsored the disinfection and decontamination of various offices of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Rizal Medical Center using SteraMist technology, a decontamination system that cleans and sanitizes without downtime.
Additionally, volunteers from Meralco’s networks group installed floodlights at the Lung Center of the Philippines’ parking lot, which now serves as an extended triage area for COVID-related cases.
Meralco, through OMF, donated 20 desktop computers to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) at UP Diliman. Their scientists are set to start sequencing samples from COVID-19 patients to better understand the characteristics of the virus and find ways to stop it from spreading. The institution will also serve as the operations center for a united effort of different volunteer groups within the University of the Philippines system to help respond to the crisis.
eSakay, a Meralco subsidiary, and OMF teamed up with the local government unit of Pasig to shuttle health workers and employees of essential businesses to work. Launched on March 19, it served more than 5,000 passengers – of which 592 were health workers – in the first week alone.
OMF also joined PayMaya in its “One Against COVID-19” project to offer a convenient way to contribute to the initiatives of OMF and other partner organizations. To donate, visit the campaign website at http://pymy.co/onemeralco.
Since April 15, the number of people who have recovered from the coronavirus disease has surpassed the nationwide death toll. Today, there are a total of 693 recoveries and 446 deaths. Of those 446, 9 died just yesterday. So while the situation is improving, there is still much to do.
“Filipinos continue to suffer and some eventually die from Covid 19 everyday. There is no proven treatment yet for this although different medications and regimens are being investigated. And the vaccine against the novel coronavirus is not yet available. That is why we are calling for plasma donations from Covid 19 survivors. Their antibodies may help save patients who are still battling the disease, especially the severe and critical cases,” said Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, spokesperson for the Philippine General Hospital.
Known as convalescent plasma therapy, the treatment is a century-old technique that has been tried and tested on numerous illnesses, most recently for diseases such as Ebola, Sars, Mers, and Swine Flu. It involves the transfusion of plasma, the liquid component of blood, from a recovered patient to a sick patient. Much like other organizations around the world, the PGH sees plasma therapy as a possible stop-gap to hold the virus at bay while more complex treatments are developed. “A vaccine is a year out, but what if we can use the antibodies of those who have already survived to strengthen the immune system of those still battling the virus,” said Dr. Del Rosario.
Since beginning the experimental treatment very recently, the PGH has received over 90 inquiries with more than 21 passing the criteria and at least 19 having already donated plasma. At least 5 COVID-19 patients were able to receive transfusions. “Right now, we are taking care of over 100 COVID-19 patients in the PGH, and some of those are severe and critical cases who have exhausted all other treatment options with no success. For them, plasma therapy could be the last resort. That’s why we’re looking for more donors,” said Dr. Del Rosario.
The plasma donation process for COVID-19 survivors is fairly straightforward. When a prospective donor calls the PGH hotline, he or she is first evaluated over the phone. Once found eligible to donate, PGH personnel will conduct a home visit to get informed consent and a blood sample. After that, the donor is invited to the College of Medicine in UP Manila to donate. For all COVID-19 survivors who want to donate, you may call the PGH hotline at 155-200.
Athletes share three important sports values to apply to life during lockdown
Almost all sports leagues all over the world have been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it could be a while before we get to enjoy watching our athletes on the court again.
We spoke to some athletes about what they think are the sports values we can apply in this time of crisis.
Teamwork
For Smart-sponsored Gilas Pilipinas and former Ateneo Blue Eagles athletes Matt and Mike Nieto, teamwork is very important in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
The Nieto twins organized donation drives to support their uncle and godfather, Cainta City Mayor Kit Nieto. “Our Gilas Pilipinas family helped us, as well as our mother teams in the PBA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NLEX Road Warriors—who gave relief goods for the people of Cainta,” Mike shared.
The brothers personally helped in the packing and distribution of relief goods. “We saw of the faces of the people when they received the donation – they were thankful. Some even cried,” Matt shared. “Lahat ng pagod namin ay nagiging worth it pag nakikita namin yung mga mukha ng mga tao,” he added.
“This is really a situation where our faith, camaraderie, and strategy are tested. As athletes and sports managers, we know that this pandemic might change the industry as we know it,” said Gabby Cui, assistant vice president at PLDT-Smart, and team manager of Gilas Pilipinas and TNT KaTropa.
“Since we cannot do our usual huddle in the sidelines, we rely on mobile data and stable internet connection to hold team meetings. We also use video conferencing to coach and monitor the athletes when they do their lockdown drills and exercises,” he added.
Discipline
Just like their attitude on the court, the Nieto twins reiterated the importance of discipline during the quarantine period.
“Stay disciplined. We already know that we can’t go out of our homes so that we can prevent the spread of the virus. Let’s be disciplined, and let’s encourage others to stay home as well,” Mike shared.
Even PLDT-Smart Omega team members also reassured fans that they are safe and healthy because they are staying inside the camp. “Kahit magpagupit, di namin magawa,” said “Hadjizy” Salic Imam. “Stay at home lang para matapos na ‘to at matuloy na natin ang bakbakan sa The Nationals,” added “Haze” Jniel Bata-Anon.
PLDT Home Fibr Hitters libero Alyssa Eroa also said that supporting our teammates and having the proper mindset can also help people deal with the lockdown and block the further spread of the virus.
“Malalampasan din natin ito, makisama at sumunod po tayo,” she shared.
Stay healthy
Meanwhile, volleyball hitter Maria Shola Alvarez also put prime on staying healthy and productive during the lockdown.
“Of course, we need to eat healthy food like vegetables and fruits, so that we can boost our immunity,” Alvarez said. “If we can take vitamins daily, and work out.” The PLDT Fibr Hitters player also suggested using alternative stuff at home in case no exercise equipment is available, clean the house, and sanitize.
Gilas Pilipinas guard Matt Nieto also encouraged exercising at home. “You can follow us on Instagram. We uploaded exercise tips so that people can stay healthy despite the lockdown.” He also reminded everyone to drink their vitamins, and to disinfect. “It’s important that we don’t infect other people, and always wear your face masks,” he shared.
“Even if we’re inside our houses, we can do a lot to help our fellow Filipinos, especially those in need. Lahat ng ito gagawin natin para sa bayan,” his brother Mike said.
Self-quarantine and social distancing can bring down the iron wall for those who have families in far-flung areas. While public gatherings and celebrations are cancelled, the ties of the Filipino family are stronger than calamities and maladies. While there are restrictions set-in-place, who said we can’t make this experience fun and productive for you and your family? Here are some tips to help you make the best out of this situation.
Take the quarantine seriously
Going home to provinces may actually be more dangerous than staying at home as you risk carrying the virus into an otherwise Ncov-free community. The first line of defense is discipline and presence of mind in trying times like this. Airports, bus terminals, and exit points of the city can easily be the petri dish for the virus. Trust us, your family would want you away and safe than close and endangering everyone!
Maintain an open line
Nothing causes panic more than not knowing so keep your families updated on your situation. Take that video call to check in on how they are doing; allot your patience into repeating the same details to each of your titas. Appreciate your mother reminding you to wash your hands every thirty minutes; or Facetime with your bunso to ease your homesickness. Telcos are promising a speed bump on their services to ensure everyone stays connected and have a more seamless workflow.
Show your loved ones you care across borders
Malls are temporarily closed down and only the necessary establishments are in operation. This means that your family’s supplies might fall short–with a bigger household and everyone staying in– one of the ways to let them know you care is to surprise them with a nice care package. TNVS are still on the road but if your family is outside the metro, reliable courier services like LBC still offer their services. Another option that you may want to explore is LBC’s Instant Peso Padala, where one can drop by on their select operating stores and send money to the province. Staying at home should not equate to feeling paralyzed and helpless to reach your family.
(Our insider tip: Some of your friends might not have the kitchen skills to keep themselves afloat during this quarantine. You can send them groceries as well and they’ll thank you for it).
Plan Ahead
With workplace disruptions and work-from-home set-up made available by companies nationwide, probably this is also the time to wear your digital hat on and explore the possibilities of earning money while staying at home. Since everything is going digital nowadays, it might be the perfect time to declutter and set-up your own mini business. Organize your closet and find stuff you would want to sell online. Who knows? LBC is also ready for you to make someone’s day by delivering your pre-loved items. Maybe the money you earn can also be a fundraising activity to help an organization in this trying time.
We should do our best to take part in initiatives that will benefit our society as a whole. While movements are restricted, let’s find ways to continue moving forward as a community to fight COVID-19. Stay indoors! Don’t risk the safety of your loved ones.
Logistics play an important role in our daily lives. Filipinos all over the world deserve a reliable and trusted service to depend on at this most difficult times. LBC is your partner to help you move things forward with you, your family and business.
For the latest updates on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LBCExpress/.
Medical personnel and staff from QualiMed in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan receive thousands of N95, PPEs and 200 gallons of alcohol from SM Foundation, Incorporated. Bulacan Medical Center is set to receive medical supplies and donations by the end of the month.
In line with its commitment to be of service to the Filipino public, its hospitals, and its government during the coronavirus pandemic, SM Foundation recently donated Personal Protective Equipment and medical supplies to hospitals in Central Luzon area.
These include PPEs, N95 and surgical masks, gloves, raincoats, goggles, as well as alcohol and hygiene kits, which are part of the P170 million SM has allocated for this purpose.
PAMPANGA – Medical supplies and PPEs are donated to Jose B. Lingad Hospital and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
In the Central Luzon area, these were donated to QualiMed Hospital in Bulacan, Bataan General Hospital and Jose B. Lingad Hospital and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center in Pampanga. Bulacan Medical Center and James Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo will likewise receive hospital supplies and medical donations by the end of the month.
OLONGAPO – 1000 N95, 500 PPEs, 3,000 gloves and hundred pieces of raincoats and goggles as well as alcohol and hygiene kits arrive at the Bataan General Hospital. SM Foundation is set to donate medical supplies and PPEs by the end of the month to James Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City.
Other initiatives of the SM Group in response to the crisis are the waived rentals of all tenants of SM Supermalls nationwide, continued compensation of employees, and the extension of an Emergency Financial Assistance to its front liners, security guards and janitorial staff during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period.
Running out of fun activities for the family during the extended enhanced community quarantine? Fret not. Here are six apps that you can enjoy with loved ones to help rid of the boredom:
Spaceteam (Free)
This game involves teamwork, quick reading and listening skills, and lots of shouting. Spaceteam is a multiplayer game where 2-8 players operate a spaceship by following on-screen instructions to successfully traverse space-avoiding asteroids and wormholes in the process. The catch? While each player has a unique set of controls, time-sensitive instructions to your controls will only be directed to any of your teammate’s screens—hence the shouting.
Heads Up (Free, with in-app purchases)
“The Ellen Show” fans will undoubtedly be familiar with this guessing game she plays with celebrity guests. With several categories to choose from, players take turns holding their smartphones on their foreheads as the app flashes words that the beholder must guess. The player opposite the screen helps the other player guess the word by shouting clues, doing accents, or acting the word out.
Out of the Loop (Free, with in-app purchases)
Being left out has never been this fun! Out of the Loop is a 5-9 player game that presents a secret word to all but one participant—the one dubbed “out of the loop” by the app. All players then proceed to answer questions about the word, with a vigilant ear to try and guess who they think is out of the loop. The challenge is for the person left out to try their best not to be obvious and pretend to be in the know.
Monopoly (P199)
More of the board game type? Good news! Monopoly is available for mobile devices for only P199. The mobile version of the popular board game allows a maximum of 4 players to sharpen their business minds in an attempt to bankrupt each other.
Exploding Kittens (P99)
For just P99, the nerve-wracking, hostility-inducing card game is available for mobile devices as well. Gather around and enjoy a highly-strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette with the entire family as the game allows for a maximum of 5 players.
TikTok (Free)
Those who want to shed off some quarantine-induced weight, showcase their talents, and simply have fun with the family can try TikTok, the latest and top destination for short-form creative videos. Family members can use the app to show off their dance moves, acting skills, humor and creativity. They can also follow @vivo_philippines to check out exciting videos from the smartphone brand.
So, what are you waiting for? Strategize, laugh, dance, and bond with the family by downloading these apps through the vivo app store which is pre-installed in all vivo smartphone models.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) recently announced important advances in the battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic.
As outlined in Pfizer’s five-point plan, the company has been collaborating across the healthcare innovation ecosystem ranging from pharmaceutical companies to biotech companies, from government agencies to academic institutions to address the COVID-19 global health care crisis. Researchers and scientists have been relentlessly working to develop an investigational antiviral compound to prevent coronavirus infection (COVID-19), as well as evaluating other therapies that have scientific potential to help infected patients.
“We are committed to making the impossible possible,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO. “In the spirit of the Five Point Plan that Pfizer issued, we are facing this public health challenge head on by collaborating with industry partners and academic institutions to develop potential novel approaches to prevent and treat COVID-19. Our researchers and scientists also have been exploring potential new uses of existing medicines in Pfizer’s portfolio to help infected patients globally. We are leaving no stone unturned as we explore every option to help provide society with a treatment or cure.”
Anti-Viral Compound Screening
Pfizer confirmed a lead compound and analogues are potent inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like (3CL) protease, based on the results of initial screening assays. Preliminary data suggest the lead protease inhibitor shows antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The company is also investing in materials that will accelerate a potential clinical study in the third quarter 2020, subject to positive completion of the pre-clinical confirmatory studies.
Applying Pfizer’s Long History in Vaccine Research Development Expertise to Finalize Our Agreement with BioNTech
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE have entered into a global collaboration agreement to co-develop BioNTech’s potential first-in-class, mRNA-based coronavirus vaccine for preventing COVID-19 infection. In March 2020, the companies began working together after releasing a letter of intent to collaborate. They will conduct clinical trials in the United States and Europe as early as April 2020, assuming regulatory clearance. The companies estimate that there is potential to supply vaccine doses by the end of 2020 subject to technical success and approval of regulatory authorities and then rapidly scale up to capacity to produce million doses in 2021. For the terms of the agreement, please see the press release page of Pfizer’s website.
Analysis of Azithromycin as an Agent with Antiviral Activity
In an effort to share information that could benefit COVID-19 mitigation efforts, Pfizer researchers will publish a review in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. This open access review may serve to facilitate the use of azithromycin in future research on COVID-19. Azithromycin is not approved for the treatment of viral infections.
Studying Pfizer’s Existing Medicines for Critical Patient Populations in Need
Pfizer is also in discussions with other institutions about additional studies including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine’s Respiratory Infection Clinical Research Group. Two new studies: SAFER study (SARS-CoV-2 Acquisition in Frontline Health Care Workers – Evaluation to Inform Response) and the FASTER study (Facilitating A SARS CoV-2 Test for Rapid triage) will help demonstrate whether patients infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of also developing pneumococcal pneumonia. The SAFER study will enroll 100 healthcare workers at the Royal Liverpool Hospital while the FASTER study will recruit 400 patients from the infectious disease ward at the Royal Liverpool Hospital suspected of having coronavirus. Enrollment has already begun, and data are expected over the next few months.For more details about the study, please see clinicaltrials.gov.
“While this work can generally take years, we are working to find opportunities to save time wherever we can and work in parallel rather than in a linear capacity,” said Mikael Dolsten, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pfizer. “This pursuit requires a crucial multi-pronged approach with a deep collaboration and partnership across the health innovation ecosystem – from the academic community, industry partners, policymakers and regulatory bodies. We announced in March that we are collaborating with BioNTech to co-develop a potential first-in-class, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. A public threat like coronavirus COVID-19 pushes each of us to urgently bring forward our resources and expertise to overcome this most challenging moment in the medical history of this century.”
The company will continue to share information from its portfolio and emerging candidates that could benefit the many companies and organizations who are working quickly to provide solutions to combat this unprecedented healthcare crisis.
Pfizer, Inc.: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com.In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
