Aug. 14 Quick Takes: Challenge data for CanSino COVID-19 vaccine; plus Warp Speed-McKesson, BioMarin, TG, Solasia-Isofol

CanSino vaccine stops COVID-19 in mice, ferrets
Mice given a single intranasal immunization with Ad5-nCoV from CanSino Biologics Inc. (HKEX:6185; Shanghai:688185) and then challenged with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 had no detectable virus in the lungs and nose when assessed three days later, according to a Friday Nature Communications paper. One vaccination, comprising an intranasal and oral dose of the adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccine, led to similar signs of sterilizing immunity in ferrets challenged with wild-type SARS-CoV-2. The study by Beijing Institute of Biotechnology and Harbin Veterinary Research Institute researchers also showed that intramuscular vaccination was partially protective in both animals. In June, Ad5-nCoV gained Military Specially-needed Drug Approval in China (see “CanSino Vaccine First to Gain Approval”).

McKesson to distribute Warp Speed vaccines
CDC said it has tapped McKesson Corp. (NYSE:MCK) to be a centralized vaccine distributor for Operation Warp Speed under an existing 2016 contract. At a media briefing Thursday, HHS’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Paul Mango said the initiative plans to announce several distribution contracts via public-private partnerships soon. ...