The Trump administration saying it has fired the director of the CDC, but attorneys for the director, Susan Mana, is saying she's being targeted for refusing to quote rubber stamp unscientific directives. Joining us right now is former Obama administration health policy director Dr. . Kapita Patel.She's a primary care physician, also an NBC News and MSNBC contributor. Good morning to you. you know, we keep having these scenarios where somebody's getting fired by the administration uh and then saying that th ...

Summary of Moderna (MRNA) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) - **Event**: Jefferies Healthcare Conference - **Date**: June 5, 2025 Key Points Industry and Market Outlook - The discussion highlighted the evolving landscape of the healthcare industry, particularly in relation to COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccine developments [1][2] - There is a significant focus on the impact of the current administration's policies on vaccine approvals and recommendations, which has created uncertainty in the market [3][8] Financial Performance and Guidance - Moderna reaffirmed its revenue guidance for 2025, projecting revenues between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion [53] - The company expects a cash burn of approximately $5.5 billion for the year, with an end-of-year cash position of around $6.6 billion [54][60] - Cost reductions have been a consistent theme, with a reported 20% decrease in operational costs year-over-year [58][59] COVID-19 Vaccine Developments - Moderna is awaiting efficacy data for its flu-COVID combination vaccine, with plans to resubmit for approval later this year [6][9] - The FDA has provided clearer guidelines on the populations recommended for COVID vaccinations, indicating a potential market of 100-200 million Americans for boosters, compared to 40 million last year [9][10] - The company has withdrawn its Biologics License Application (BLA) for the flu-COVID combo vaccine and is focusing on generating the necessary efficacy data [6][8] Pipeline and Future Products - Moderna is actively pursuing approvals for several vaccines, including norovirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV), with ongoing placebo-controlled studies [33][34] - The company is also exploring new cancer therapies, having shifted resources from respiratory vaccines to a promising cancer immunotherapy [78][84] - The anticipated launch of multiple products, including RSV and flu vaccines, is expected to contribute to revenue growth by 2027-2028 [70][74] Strategic Focus - Moderna is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to R&D spending, with a focus on completing existing projects rather than initiating new phase three trials [61][62] - The company aims to align its cost structure with revenue growth, emphasizing the importance of managing expenses while expanding its product portfolio [75][76] Regulatory Environment - The recent clarity from the FDA regarding vaccine approvals is seen as a positive development for Moderna, allowing for more predictable planning and execution of its business strategy [85] Investor Sentiment - There is a cautious sentiment among investors regarding Moderna's ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the near term, with concerns about cash burn and market competition [56][66] Additional Insights - The company is focusing on a broad definition of comorbidities to expand the eligible population for COVID vaccinations, which could significantly increase market potential [16][18] - Moderna's strategy includes a pivot towards cancer therapies, indicating a shift in focus from respiratory vaccines to broader therapeutic areas [84] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Moderna conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial outlook, and market opportunities.

Summary of Vaxart (VXRT) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Vaxart, Inc. - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focusing on vaccine development - **Key Personnel**: Steve Lowe (CEO), James Cummings (Chief Medical Officer) - **Location**: South San Francisco, California, with all manufacturing conducted in the U.S. [12][49] Core Technology and Approach - **Vaccine Platform**: Vaxart's oral vaccine platform, referred to as VaST (Vector Adjuvant Antigen Standardization Technology), utilizes a non-replicating adenovirus vector dried into a pill form [14] - **Delivery Method**: The vaccine is taken orally with water, activating the immune system in the lower small intestine, promoting both systemic and mucosal immunity [15][10] - **Advantages**: - Needle-free administration, reducing logistical complexities and waste [11][29] - Thermostable, eliminating the need for a cold chain, making it easier to distribute, especially in low to middle-income countries [28][30] Market Opportunity - **Public Health Importance**: Vaccines are essential for preventing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths, representing a consistent revenue stream for the company [5][6] - **Norovirus Impact**: - Over 680 million global infections annually, with 20 million clinical cases in the U.S. [21] - Economic burden estimated at $10 billion annually in the U.S. due to healthcare costs and lost productivity [22][23] - **Target Populations**: Elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those in enclosed spaces (e.g., military personnel, healthcare workers) are at higher risk for severe disease [24][25] Pipeline and Clinical Development - **Current Projects**: - **Norovirus Vaccine**: - Bivalent vaccine targeting G1 and G24 strains, showing an 80% reduction in viral shedding in preclinical studies [31][33] - Phase one trial underway with top-line data expected by mid-2025 [37][48] - **COVID-19 Vaccine**: - Funded by BARDA with a $460 million contract, focusing on ease of administration and mucosal immunity [40][41] - A 10,000-person study is ongoing, with a focus on cross-reactivity to various coronaviruses [42][43] - **Influenza Vaccine**: - Demonstrated a 49% decrease in infection compared to placebo in a head-to-head study against Fluzone [46][48] Key Milestones - **Upcoming Data Releases**: - Top-line data from the norovirus phase one trial expected in mid-2025 [47] - Completion of the COVID-19 sentinel study by December 2025 [40][48] Conclusion - Vaxart is positioned to revolutionize vaccine delivery with its oral platform, addressing significant public health challenges while also presenting a robust pipeline of vaccine candidates targeting norovirus, COVID-19, and influenza. The company emphasizes the importance of mucosal immunity and aims to provide accessible and effective vaccination solutions globally [49]

Core Insights - CVS Health has enhanced its flu testing and treatment capabilities at approximately 1,600 locations across 37 states due to high flu cases in the U.S. [1][2] Testing and Treatment Capabilities - CVS Pharmacy has introduced a 3-in-1 combo test for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19, allowing patients to be tested with one swab [2] - In 13 states, pharmacists can prescribe flu treatment for eligible patients who test positive, ensuring timely access to care [1][3] Appointment Scheduling and Costs - CVS has streamlined scheduling for test and treat appointments through its digital scheduler on CVS.com and the CVS Health app [3] - The cost for a pharmacy-administered flu and COVID-19 test is $29.99, while the pharmacist assessment costs $45, regardless of whether medication is prescribed [5] At-Home Testing Options - CVS offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test options, with prices ranging from $12.99 to $24.99, available for purchase online and in retail stores [6] - Patients who test positive at home can request a pharmacist evaluation via CVS.com or the CVS Health app for potential medication prescriptions [7] Immunization Services - CVS Pharmacy provides flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines at its locations, emphasizing immunization as the most effective way to prevent illness [9][10] - Patients aged six months and older are encouraged to receive the updated vaccines, with specific recommendations for those aged 65 and older regarding second doses [10][11] Delivery and Accessibility - CVS Pharmacy offers various delivery options for customers with eligible prescriptions, including same-day and 1-2-day delivery [8]