STAT+: Pharmalittle: Biogen Alzheimer’s data is published in little-known journal; WHO may reject Medicago Covid shot over ties to Philip Morris

A Covid-19 vaccine from Medicago is likely to be rejected by the World Health Organization because the company is partly owned by Philip Morris.

Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? A spot of rain is descending on the Pharmalot campus, but our spirits remain as sunny as ever. As you may recall us noting previously, the Morning Mayor used to say that “every new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” So who cares about a few rain drops? While you ponder the notion, feel free to join us for our usual cup of stimulation — our choice today is butter pecan — as we indulge in an ancient holiday ritual. And as always, here are the usual tidbits. Hope you have a smashing day, and drop us a line when you run across something juicy. …

A Covid-19 vaccine from Medicago is likely to be rejected by the World Health Organization because the company is partly owned by Philip Morris (PM), Bloomberg News says. A request for pre-qualification of its vaccine was not accepted, according to a WHO guidance document. This means the WHO is unlikely to approve the vaccine for emergency use, which would also keep it out of the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility. “The WHO and the UN have a very strict policy regarding engagement with the tobacco and arms industry, so it’s very likely it won’t be accepted for emergency use listing,” said Mariangela Simao, WHO’s assistant director-general for drug access, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…