During the global pandemic, some companies have transitioned their businesses to help fight the virus, while others – leaders in their fields – have an obligation to do so. As we scroll through our news feeds discovering different ways to prevent the spread, we thought we’d also shed light on some companies that have brought their resources to the front lines. Here’s a health PR roundup of companies that have come together to help fight this pandemic.
“We will ensure that all of these programs have the resources, attention and focus they need – and that the COVID-19 pandemic demands,” Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier said in a statement. Merck is collaborating with the nonprofit IAVI to build off its success in crafting an effective Ebola vaccine that was approved in the US last December. The US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority is also providing funding to advance this vaccine candidate.
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“It was based on our looking at the data and concluding that we needed to have our own resources going into developing this vaccine and not simply wait for government grants,” he said. Moderna has a deal to receive up to $483 million from the U.S. government to pursue a vaccine.
While corporations and scientists are under incredible pressure to develop a vaccine and raise money for research and manufacturing, vaccine companies are also vying for attention from investors amid a crowded field and are seeking to lift their stock prices in a global recession.
CVS Reaches Goal To Open 1,000 Coronavirus Test Sites
“It’s no small feat to operationalize 1,000 test sites in weeks under trying circumstances, which is a credit to our employees and their unwavering commitment to being part of the solution,” CVS Health president and chief executive Larry Merlo said. “Our testing strategy will continue to evolve and make the most effective use of our resources as we work to help safely re-open the economy.”
CVS is hoping to dramatically ramp up testing by processing up to 1.5 million tests every month. Currently, CVS processes about 30,000 tests for COVID-19 a week in five states as part of a rollout that began several weeks ago with a focus on front-line healthcare workers and first responders.
Apple is giving $10 million to COVID-19 testing kit company
“COPAN is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers of sample collection kits for COVID-19 testing, and we’re thrilled to partner with them so they can expand as we work to address this critical issue for our nation,” commented Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, in a press release. “I couldn’t be prouder of our teams for bringing all of their energy, passion, and innovative spirit to supporting the country’s COVID-19 response.”
How are other companies helping to fight the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.
