Thursday, June 11, 2020

Global USA Had good conversation (having these every 2 weeks) today with Bill Gates on status of mAb (Regeneron, Lilly, etc.). Also, discussing other therapies. Also, discussed vaccines. Great article in Elle magazine about Christine. Big issue with companies that we are dealing with for COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna is acting like and asshole in that they want the USG money but are resisting having the NIAID network (Larry) control the trial They have the IND and so the trial is really theirs. Moncef and I and John Mascola had important call where Moncef indicated that he himself is concerned that a single network with one leader can be responsible for 3 (Moderna, Astrazeneca, J & J) and possible 5 (Sanofu, Novovax) trials. Abd so we decided that Moncef would put in writing that the companies can run their own trials in our network, but they must harmonize with regard to protocol design (with some variations), single DSMB, consistent lab results, and same primary and secondary endpoints. If they do not agree, then BARDA does not give them money. I am still concerned about Deb’s negative opinion and tendency towards EUA. Spoke with Gary Bettman, Commissioner of NHL about their plan for a “bubbled” season → test all players and isolate them in a bubble and play the season like a tournament.. MLB and NFL considering such a plan. PRESS: CNBC “The Street” with Jim Cramer (interviewed by Katherine Ross); “The Stadium” TV Marquis Network.