Novartis launches first-of-its-kind not-for-profit portfolio of medicines for symptomatic treatment of COVID-19
Novartis announced a new initiative to help patients in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LIC; LMIC) access affordable medicines to treat the major symptoms of COVID-19 - a critical need in the absence of a vaccine or curative treatment. Inflammation and respiratory problems linked to COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and can lead to death in some people, putting immense strain on fragile healthcare systems. 
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, "BioNTech") announced that two of the companies' four investigational vaccine candidates from their BNT162 mRNA-based vaccine program (BNT162b1 and BNT162b2) being developed to help protect against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced that the U.S. Phase 3 trial of Kevzara® (sarilumab) 400 mg in COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation did not meet its primary and key secondary endpoints when Kevzara was added to best supportive care compared to best supportive care alone (placebo). 
GSK and Medicago announced a collaboration to develop and evaluate a COVID-19 candidate vaccine combining Medicago's recombinant Coronavirus Virus-Like Particles (CoVLP) with GSK's pandemic adjuvant system. CoVLPs mimic the structure of the virus responsible for COVID-19 disease, allowing them to be recognised by the immune system. 
Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its investigational new drug application (IND) for M5049 for the treatment of patients with Covid-19 pneumonia. Merck will initiate a Phase II randomized, controlled clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of M5049 in this patient population.