Your immune system makes its own antiviral drug − and it's likely one of the most ancient

The human body has been making antivirals for eons, long before scientists did. A protein in your cells called viperin produces molecules that work similarly to the COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir.

Neil Marsh, Professor of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan • conversation
Oct. 11, 2023 • ~8 min

Biden tests positive for COVID-19: An infectious disease doctor explains the risks and treatments available for the 79-year-old president

According to a letter from Biden’s doctor, the president has a runny nose, mild fatigue and a slight cough. The letter also noted that Biden began taking an antiviral drug the morning he tested positive.

Patrick Jackson, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia • conversation
July 21, 2022 • ~7 min

New treatments for COVID-19 may stave off the worst effects of the virus

Medications to treat COVID-19 are in no way a substitute for the vaccine. But under the right circumstances, some show great promise for helping patients.

Patrick Jackson, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia • conversation
Sept. 20, 2021 • ~10 min

6 COVID-19 treatments helping patients survive

A year after it became clear that COVID-19 was becoming a pandemic, there is still no cure, but doctors have several innovative treatments. Some are keeping patients out of the hospital entirely.

Tomeka L. Suber, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 1, 2021 • ~10 min

The price of a drug should be based on its therapeutic benefits – not just what the market will bear

'Orphan drugs' with high price points are being tested as treatments for COVID-19. There's a better way to spur low-cost innovation for new drugs.

Nicole Hassoun, Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~9 min

The top scientific breakthrough for 2020 was understanding SARS-CoV-2 and how it causes COVID-19 – and then developing multiple vaccines

The development of multiple vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19 has been hailed as the breakthrough of 2020. But there were many more supporting discoveries that made this possible.

David Pride, Associate Director of Microbiology, University of California San Diego • conversation
Dec. 17, 2020 • ~11 min

What monoclonal antibodies are – and why we need them as well as a vaccine

Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic molecules manufactured in the lab. But do we need them if a vaccine is on its way?

Rodney E. Rohde, Professor Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University • conversation
Nov. 16, 2020 • ~9 min

Death rates have fallen by 18% for hospitalized COVID–19 patients as treatments improve

Death rates for hospitalized COVID-19 patients fell from 25.6% in March to 7.6% in August, according to a new study on three hospitals in New York. A study in the U.K. found similar results.

Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
Nov. 3, 2020 • ~6 min

Sketchy darknet websites are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic – buyer beware

The global pandemic has fueled illicit online sales of COVID-19 commodities, some of which are dangerous or illegal. Researchers are assessing the size and reach of this underground market.

David Maimon, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Georgia State University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2020 • ~7 min

Ending the pandemic will take global access to COVID-19 treatment and vaccines – which means putting ethics before profits

The high cost of pharmaceuticals often means only the richest patients get lifesaving medicines. As coronavirus drugs emerge, it will require hard, creative work to ensure they're available to all.

Nicole Hassoun, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
July 16, 2020 • ~9 min

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