https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2034334

On the Shoulders of Giants — From Jenner’s Cowpox to mRNA Covid Vaccines

In September 2008, Katalin Karikó, Drew Weissman, and their colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania modified messenger RNA (mRNA) using nucleoside analogues. These modifications stabilized the molecule and eliminated its capacity for inducing innate immunity, thereby making mRNA a promising tool for both gene replacement and vaccination.¹ In December 2020, on the basis of safety and efficacy data generated in two large, placebo-controlled studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations for two mRNA vaccines for the prevention of Covid-19. Clearance of this hurdle by the first mRNA vaccines represents the most recent in a series of breakthroughs in the realm of viral vaccines, each building on the last and each with a compelling record of disease prevention.

Cause for Concern?

UN's World Food Program awarded Nobel Peace Prize The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Friday received the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for the work it has done to address hunger around the world amid the coronavirus pandemic. Celine Castronuovo TheHill

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Friday received the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for the work it has done to address hunger around the world amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

FDA chief apologizes for overstating plasma effect on virus WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to an outcry from medical experts, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Tuesday apologized for overstating the life-saving benefits of treating... AP NEWS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to an outcry from medical experts, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Tuesday apologized for overstating the life-saving benefits of treating COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma.