A single line often inverts meaning once you see what it
answers, so neighbouring messages are always shown.
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August 15, 2022 Great disparity of COVID deaths comparing USA and other countries: Cumulative confirmed COVID-i9 deaths per million people ores Due to varying protocols and challenges in the attribution of the cause of death, the number of confirmed deaths may not accurately represent the true number of deaths caused by COVID-19, 3,000 United States 2,900 2,000 1,500 Israel Canada 1,000 World S00 Australia New Zealand Japan ------------ --------
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August 16, 2022 I had a very important and moving conversation with Ron Klain in his West Wing Office today at 11:45 AM (bright, sunny, mild day). I announced to Ron that I would be stepping down from all of my positions including chief medical advisor to the President. I will make the announcement next week and my date for stepping down will be sometime in December of this year. One of the concerns that Jeff Zients and I had would be that Ron would want to push back on my leaving giving all the trouble that he's having with the CDC. However, he somewhat surprised me by saying that his instinct would be to push strongly to convince me not to leave, given that he considers me "one of the most important public servants in the history of the country" given that I have saved millions of lives over the last several years. He would be almost embarrassed trying to convince me to change my mind about something that I obviously have thought about for some time and that I thoroughly deserve. He went on to say so many nice things that I was embarrassed. He said that he considered it a major privilege in his life to have had the opportunity to work with me both during the Obama administration with Ebola and now with COVID and monkey pox. He said that he would arrange tomorrow for me to either see the president if the president comes to the White House tomorrow; if he does not come to the White House then arrange which was used as the blueprint for 22106 icationa phone call between me and the president tomorrow. It was a most moving meeting the extraordinary praise shown towards me and the sincere appreciation for all that I have done for the country and the world during my long career. He sounded extremely sincere. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NIH will write a Science Forum on NIH accomplishments in COVID. Below is a preliminary outline of what will be said. I added a mention of the role of the COVID - 19Prevention Network (CoVPN) in the clinical trials of all the vaccines: Key COVID-19 Milestones - NIH High-level COVID-19 Accomplishments January 10: The genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was released, which was used as the blueprint for the rapid development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Blurb: SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequence released Image: Ask Palladian for timeline image January 13: NIH and Moderna finalized the design of a vaccine candidate and began working to produce it. Blurb: NIH/Moderna finalized COVID vaccine candidate design Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/50047466123/in/album-72157713108522106/ January 31: The United States declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. Blurb: U.S. declared COVID-19 a public health emergency February 25: NIH launched the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT) series of studies with a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the antiviral remdesivir in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 (ACTT-1). Press release Blurb: NIH launched trial of the antiviral remdesivir Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/remdesivir-covid19-liquid-medicationbackground-1706609728 March 11: The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Blurb: WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic loyed aster inical atment Guidelines to speed innovation leading March 16: The Phase 1 clinical trial started for the investigational vaccine, known as mRNA-1273, codeveloped by NIH and Moderna. Press release Blurb: NIH/Moderna COVID vaccine Phase 1 clinical trial started Image: 3.16.20 Phase 1 Moderna April 17: NIH launched the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) initiative, a public-private partnership focused on developing treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. ACTIV streamlined the process for adding new agents into trials and rapidly deployed existing NIH networks of more than 620 trial sites across the U.S. and internationally. The initiative evaluated over 800 therapeutic agents and prioritized 33 for inclusion in ACTIV master protocols. Six of these agents have shown compelling evidence of benefit in randomized clinical trials. Press release Blurb: NIH launched ACTIV, a public-private partnership to develop treatments and vaccines Image: 4.17.20 ACTIV April 21: After convening a panel of academic and government experts to critically review and synthesize available data from clinical trials and other study reports, the first NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines were published to provide clinicians with guidance on how to care for patients with COVID-19. The panel has issued more than 50 updated editions since April 2020 and the guidelines have been visited more than 30 million times. Press release Blurb: NIH published the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines April 29: NIH launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative to speed innovation leading to reliable diagnostic testing. Press release Blurb: NIH launched RADx initiative to speed innovation in diagnostic testing Image: 4.29.20 RADx May 22: Preliminary peer-reviewed data from the ACTT-1 trial indicated that the antiviral drug remdesivir is safe and improved clinical outcomes for hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Press release Blurb: Antiviral drug remdesivir found safe and effective. Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/medication-prepared-people-affected-bycovid19-1731814354 Was a yn Network to test COVID vaccines and treatments. JatientMay 24: NIH created a public COVID-19 OpenData Portal to openly and quickly share COVID-19-related drug repurposing data and COVID-19 variant-specific effects against all approved drugs. It was a key resource for the ACTIV Tracking Resistance And Coronavirus Evolution (TRACE) efforts. Blurb: COVID-19 OpenData Portal shares data on drug repurposing and variant effects with drugs. Image: 5.20 COVID Data Portal variants July 8: NIH launched the COVID-19 Prevention Network (COVPN), a clinical trials network to test COVID-19 vaccines and other prevention tools. Press release Blurb: NIH launched COVID-19 Prevention Network to test COVID vaccines and treatments. July 27: The Phase 3 clinical trial started for the investigational vaccine mRNA-1273, co-developed by NIH and Moderna. The trial enrolled approximately 30,000 adult volunteers who did not have COVID-19. Press release Blurb: NIH/Moderna COVID vaccine Phase 3 clinical trial began, enrolling ≈30,000 adult volunteers. Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/covid19-vaccination-asian-male-patientgetting-1831245058 August 4: NIH launches the first ACTIV clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of treatments both for mild and moderate COVID-19 patients and for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. ACTIV-2 press release, ACTIV-3 Press Release Blurb: First ACTIV trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COVID therapeutics begin. Image: 8.4.20 ACTIV trials September 16: Recognizing the need to ensure inclusive participation in vaccine trials, NIH launched Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities. CEAL provided outreach and engagement opportunities in racial and ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. (In 2021, NIH supplemented the effort with $29 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan). September press release Blurb: NIH launched CEAL to ensure diversity in vaccine trials and reach out to disproportionately affected communities. Image: 9.16.20 CEAL ctoberSeptember 30: NIH expanded research to improve COVID-19 testing among underserved and vulnerable populations as part of the RADx initiative, the RADx Underserved Populations (RADxUP) program. Press release Blurb: NIH expanded RADx initiative to improve COVID-19 testing in underserved populations. Image: 9.30.20 RADx UP October 2: Quidel Sofia 2, the first point-of-care test to detect COVID-19 supported by NIH's RADx initiative, receives emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA. Blurb: First RADX-supported COVID test received EUA. Image: 2.2.20 Test Kit December 11: The ACTT-2 trial found that baricitinib, an anti-inflammatory drug, reduced time to recovery for people hospitalized with COVID-19 who were treated with remdesivir. Press release Blurb: Trial results showed remdesivir in combination with anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib reduced hospital recovery time Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/medication-prepared-people-affected-bycovid19-1970653763 December 15: The first over-the-counter COVID-19 test, developed with support from NIH's RADx initiative, received an FDA emergency use authorization. Blurb: First RADx-supported over-the-counter COVID-19 test received EUA. Image: 12.15.20 RADx OTC December 18: FDA authorized the NIH-Moderna vaccine for emergency use for people 18 years of age and older. The NIH-Moderna vaccine went on to receive authorization for various age groups and is now available for everyone over the age of 6 months. Blurb: FDA grants EUA to NIH/Modera vaccine Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/cracow-malopolskie-poland-october10-2021-1891094320 January 5: NIH's RADx launched an interagency variant task force to evaluate the impact of new variants on the performance of all authorized point of care and over the counter diagnostics, as well as tests lavirus1ericanin pre-authorization review. This ongoing partnership with FDA informs regulatory decisions, RADx investments, manufacturer designs, and government procurements. Blurb: Interagency variant task force launched to evaluate impact of variants on COVID tests Image: 1.5.21 variant tests January 20: The ACTIV Tracking Resistance and Coronavirus Evolution (TRACE) initiative launched. It is focused on identifying emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. TRACE aims to prioritize which viral variants should be studied to determine the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics, coordinate data sharing, and report results regularly to allow confident decision making by the U.S. Government, health professionals, and pharmaceutical organizations. Blurb: The ACTIV Tracking Resistance and Coronavirus Evolution (TRACE) initiative began to identify, evaluate, and report on emerging variants. Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/52129878815/in/album-72157713108522106/ February 27: FDA authorized the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. NIH supported the development of the single-shot vaccine, which does not require special refrigeration. Blurb: FDA grants EUA to Janssen COVID vaccine Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/izmir-turkey-january-17-2021-coronavirus1925271767 March 31: In collaboration with the CDC, NIH launched an innovative community health initiative called "Say Yes! COVID Test" for counties in North Carolina and Tennessee to determine if frequent self-administered COVID-19 testing can help residents reduce community transmission. Say Yes! COVID Test went on to distribute 6.8 million rapid tests that were developed with RADx support in numerous targeted areas throughout the country. Press release Blurb: NIH launched community health initiative Say Yes! COVID Test to assess frequent selftesting. Image: 3.31.20 Say Yes COVID Test April 15: NIH announced the Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative, which awarded up to $48 million over several months to fund projects to build evidence on safely returning students, teachers, and support staff to in-person school in areas with vulnerable and underserved populations. (Additional funds issued July press release). April press release Blurb: NIH launched Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/side-view-portrait-young-africanamericanman-1967011807 to study ID-19 I NIH August 4: Part of the ACTIV initiative, an NIH-supported clinical trial showed that treating moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a full-dose blood thinner reduced their need for organ support, such as mechanical ventilation, and improved their chances of leaving the hospital. Press release Blurb: ACTIV-4 clinical trial found that a full-dose blood thinner improved outcomes for moderately ill hospitalized patients. September 15: NIH announced $470 million in funding for a nationwide study of tens of thousands of people to support research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 called the NIH REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative. Press release Blurb: NIH funded REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative to study COVID's long-term effects. Image: Can we use this image from the timeline? NIH Strategic Response to COVID-19 I NIH COVID-19 Research October 9: Brii Biosciences filed for an FDA emergency use authorization for the ACTIV-3 monoclonal therapeutic antibody combination amubarvimab/romlusevimab that demonstrated clinical effectiveness in preventing progression of disease for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Blurb: ACTIV-3 trial found monoclonal therapeutic antibody combination effective in preventing disease progression in mild to moderate patients. October 27: NIH announced the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), which established an accelerated pathway to support FDA evaluation of tests with potential for large-scale manufacturing. The program is an extension of the NIH RADx initiative. In less than two months, the first two over-the-counter tests that went through the ITAP accelerated pathway received EUAs, contributing millions of tests per month to the domestic supply. Press Release Blurb: NIH announced ITAP, an accelerated pathway to support FDA evaluation of COVID tests. Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/portland-usa-feb-5-2022-closeup2118748202 January 26: The NIH clinical trial on booster doses of different COVID-19 vaccines to determine the safety and efficacy of mixed vaccine regimens found that all combinations of primary and booster IumMWSloctorscity by >2.5 billion tests vaccine resulted in increased neutralizing antibody levels. The data strongly suggest that mixed COVID-19 vaccines could increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Press release Blurb: NIH clinical trial data strongly suggest that mixed COVID-19 vaccines could increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Image: FC getting his vaccine? https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/50747919667/in/album72157717478402642/ OR https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/black-teen-girl-showsvaccine-mark-1899903244 June 2: Topline results from the ACTIV-1 Immune Modulators clinical trial showed that immune modulator drugs improved survival for people hospitalized with COVID-19. Press release Blurb: ACTIV-1 immune modulators trials meet secondary endpoint/improved survival July 20: The CDC recommended that Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine be used as another primary series option for adults in the United States ages 18 years and older. NIH supported development of the Novavax vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, and is studying it in the "mix & match" trial, where adult volunteers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 receive booster doses of different COVID-19 vaccines to determine the safety and immunogenicity of mixed boosted regimens. Blurb: CDC recommended Novavax vaccine for adults Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/novavax-coronavirus-vaccine-doctorsnurses-hands-1904970715 April 29: Two years after its launch, RADx-supported companies increased cumulative U.S. capacity by >2.5 billion tests, helping drive a national paradigm shift where over the counter (home) and point of care tests become the dominant form of testing. Blurb: After two years, RADx-supported companies increased U.S. capacity by >2.5 billion tests Image: 4.29.22 RADx test capacity Monkey pox cases in the UK starting to trend downward: Monkeypox: Daily confirmed cases Cape I 7-day rolling average , J United Kingdom Or "
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August 17, 2022 E-mail from Ron Klain after I met with him and asked to speak with the POTUS:
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August 18, 2022 Global - 590,659,276/6,440163; USA - 93,124,238/1,034,118 ---------- CDC (Rochelle Walensky) comes out with a strong statement of "mea culpa" admitting that the CDC is broken and has failed terribly in the response to the COVID pandemic. LONG OVERDUE! CDC Moving Forward Fact Sheet. NY Times (La Franiere and Weilland): Walensky, Citing Botched Pandemic Response, Calls for C.D.C. Reorganization Among other flaws, public guidance during the coronavirus pandemic was "confusing and overwhelming," the agency said. LA Times on racial disparities in MPX; WTOP ------------------------ RFK, jr continues his destructive ways: Ars Technica: Anti-vaccine activists giddily celebrate as poliovirus spreads in NY -------- I defend CDC and Rochelle regarding their admission of their botched response by commending them for honesty and trying to reform. I did this on MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell. PRESS: MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell; Podcast "In the Bubble" with Any Slavitt; CNN - "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer
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2022-08-19 00:00
Anthony S. Fauci
August 19, 2022 Cases seem to be plateauing throughout the country with some exceptions. Perhaps we are coming into a downswing as we enter the Fall PRESS: Interview with Marissa Evans of LA Times on racial disparities in MPX; WTOP Radio;
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August 20, 2022 Had my usual every three-week zoom meeting with Drs. Li and Hellmann. I explained to them that as of Monday at 11:00 AM when I made the announcement of my stepping down from the NIH, I will enter a new chapter in my career and in my life. There's obviously stress and anxiety associated with this decision. However, there's also excitement for the new adventure and unknown. Had a wonderful Zoom meeting with Nathan Chen at 12:30 PM. He had been wanting to meet me for some time now and we finally connected by zoom. He was so modest and nice and kept expressing what an honor it was to meet me and speak with me. He is going into his third year at Yale having taken off most of two years to practice for the Olympics where he gave probably the most historically perfect performance to win the gold medal. He plans to go to medical school after he graduates. I was struck by his maturity and modesty when I asked him why he was interested in medicine. He said all his life he had been practicing to make himself better and better and better, but it was all about himself. Now he wants to do something that has a positive impact on society and on other individuals. The sign of a very mature young man. ta s Business Journal): The card was only available for 24 hours, ll as I had a very long (1 hour and 10 minue) exclusive interview with Yasmeen Abutaleb (Washington Post) concerning my upcoming stepping down from Government service. Embargoed until Monday at 11:00 AM
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August 21, 2022 Interesting trivia (Sports Business Journal):
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August 22, 2022 TODAY IS THE DAY! I announce that I will be stepping down from the NIH as well as from my position as chief medical adviser to the president effective December, 2022. There has been a literal avalanche of positive feedback about my announcement with hundreds and hundreds of texts and emails of congratulation and praise for me. President MENTS AND RELEASES has come out with a statement as have a number of other prominent individuals. See the president statement below: Statement from President Joe Biden on the announcement of Dr. Anthony Fauci's Departure from NIAID
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AUGUST 22, 2022•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES During my time as Vice President, I worked closely with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the United States' response to Zika and Ebola. I came to know him as a dedicated public servant, and a steady hand with wisdom and insight honed over decades at the forefront of some of our most dangerous and challenging public health crises. When it came time to build a team to lead our COVID-19 response - in fact, in one of my first calls as President-elect - I immediately asked Dr. Fauci to extend his service as my Chief Medical Advisor to deal with the COVID-19 crisis our nation faced. In that role, I've been able to call him at any hour of the day for his advice as we've tackled this once-in-a-generation pandemic. His commitment to the work is unwavering, and he does it with an unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity. Dr. Fauci has served under seven Republican and Democratic Presidents during his career, beginning with Ronald Reagan. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 under President George W. Bush. For almost four decades, he has served as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, helping our country navigate health crises ranging from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19. Because of Dr. Fauci's many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved. As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci's expertise in whatever he does next. Whether you've met him personally or not, he has touched all Americans' lives with his work. I extend my deepest thanks 2 from the for his public service. The United States of America is stronger, more resilient, and healthier because of him. Statement of Sec. Becerra: Statement by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on Upcoming Departure of Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Today, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. announced he is stepping down in December 2022 from the positions of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation, as well as Chief Medical Advisor to the President. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued the following statement: "This is a decision we all knew would eventually come but hoped never would. As HHS Secretary, I am privileged to know Dr. Fauci professionally and personally and deeply admire his decades of public service that have undoubtedly improved the health of millions of people globally. When I arrived at HHS, the world was one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. I quickly came to rely on Dr. Fauci's wisdom and counsel in our response, and along with his scientific acumen, I treasure his ability to break down complex science in simple terms to the American people to save lives. "His selfless passion to bring hope and healing to people fighting for their health knows no bounds. In fact, Dr. Fauci's pioneering approach to tackle public health decades ago included a critical role in our nation's domestic and international response to HIV/AIDS, ultimately helping create the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. "I will be sorry to see Dr. Fauci depart in December, but I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to witnessing his next chapter." Larry Tabak statement: Statement from Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D., on the departure of Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Today marks the end of an era with the announcement by Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., that he will be stepping down as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation, and Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden. Tony's departure will cause a tectonic shift in the modern history of the National Institutes of Health. He is the model public servant -- dedicated and selfless, and a brilliant scientist and physician who is passionate about developing treatments and cures for those who are sick and suffering. He has dedicated his life's work to advancing knowledge about the causes of complex diseases ranging from HIV to asthma, rarely satisfied with anything less than a cure. For Tony, it's personal. He works tirelessly on behalf of all patients, often at great personal expense, and always bringing his Brooklyn tenacity to the fight. I know of no one more dedicated than Tony to the mission of the NIH and the health of the American people. Tony's NIH career spans 54 years, 38 of those leading NIAID, advising seven U.S. Presidents, and reassuring the public as America's doctor during outbreaks of infectious diseases, from HIV to Ebola to COVID-19. Without exception, he is always guided by the science. It's been an extraordinary privilege and honor to have worked by his side and to have learned so much from him -- I will miss him greatly. But I also look forward to seeing what Tony will do next. I have no doubt that he will continue to have an enormous impact on the world. Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D. Performing the Duties of the NIH Director Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH @AshishKJha46 Tony Fauci is the most consequential physician scientist of the past half century Having served 7 Presidents through HIV/AIDS, Anthrax, H1N1, Ebola, Zika, and of course COVID Thousands consider him their mentor, including me Grateful for your service to our country Dr. Fauci Ronald Klain PT Washington Post by Yasmeen Abutaleb: @WHCOS I cannot think of a public servant who has done as much to save as many lives for as long a period as Dr. Tony Fauci. And he is a gem of a person. Tweet See new Tweets Conversation Barack Obama @BarackObama I will always be grateful that we had a once-in-a-century public health leader to guide us through a once-in-acentury pandemic. Few people have touched more lives than Dr. Fauci - and I'm glad he's not done yet. PRESS: Beautiful article in the Washington Post by Yasmeen Abutaleb: