Drugmakers Collaborate for Coronavirus Research

More than 20 COVID-19 vaccine candidates are currently under investigation, according to the World Health Organization, and many organizations are partnering to speed the development of vaccines and treatments. 

Johnson & Johnson announced that it would pair up with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to develop a vaccine candidate, with a goal of identifying a candidate for trials by the end of this month and J&J said it will scale up its manufacturing capabilities to meet global vaccination needs.

Sanofi and Regeneron announced that a phase 2/3 clinical trial of their rheumatoid arthritis drug Kevzara (sarilumab) is ready for enrollment. The companies hope to repurpose the medicine for treating the inflammatory immune response caused by the coronavirus.

Vir Biotechnology and Biogen plan to develop and manufacture human monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19.