STAT+: Pharmalittle: WHO taps six African countries for its vaccine hub; FTC votes against studying PBM practices

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is still shaping up, but we plan to promenade with our official mascot, look in on the Pharmalot ancestors, and catch up on our reading. And what about you? You could get a head start on spring cleaning or shop for all sorts of goods before prices rise still further. Or you could simply stop for a few moments and take stock. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you next Tuesday, since we have a long weekend holiday on this side of the pond. …
The World Health Organization says six African countries — Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia — will be the first on the continent to receive technology needed to produce mRNA vaccines, Reuters says. The technology transfer project, launched last year in Cape Town, aims to help low- and middle-income countries manufacture mRNA vaccines at scale and according to international standards. The WHO established its global mRNA technology transfer hub after vaccine hoarding by wealthy countries and companies prioritized sales to governments that could pay the highest price. This pushed low- and middle-income countries to the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…