BioNTech selling shares; Pfizer to take down chunk of offering

The company is selling 6.7M ADS’s consisting of an underwritten offering of 5M shares and a rights offering for the rest.

A selling shareholder will sell 750K ADS’s should the underwriters exercise their greenshoe option.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) has indicated interest in purchasing up to $200M worth of the new stock, which would work out to about 2.25M shares at the current price.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3593074-biontech-selling-shares-pfizer-to-take-down-chunk-of-offering

Biogen plans trial to assess benefits of Spinraza after treatment with Zolgensma

Biogen Inc. said on Tuesday it plans to start a global clinical study to assess the safety and benefits of its spinal muscular atrophy drug Spinraza in children who were previously treated with Novartis AG rival therapy Zolgensma.

The study aims at evaluating Spinraza to potentially improve clinical outcomes in some patients who do not respond sufficiently to the gene therapy Zolgensma, the company said.

https://www.marketscreener.com/BIOGEN-INC-4853/news/Biogen-plans-trial-to-assess-benefits-of-Spinraza-after-treatment-with-Zolgensma-30962511/

Puma Biotech to provide Nerlynx access to Acentrus Specialty

Acentrus Specialty, a national network of health systems and hospitals, has finalized an agreement with Puma Biotechnology (NASDAQ:PBYI) to provide qualified Acentrus clients access to Puma’s Nerlynx (neratinib), a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of breast cancer.

Participation in Acentrus is open to hospital organizations of all sizes, types and affiliations. There is no cost for an organization to join the Acentrus network.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3592968-puma-biotech-to-provide-nerlynx-access-to-acentrus-specialty

Immuron up on potential of hyperimmune bovine antibodies in COVID-19

Nano cap Immuron Limited (NASDAQ:IMRN) jumps 118% premarket on robust volume in reaction to its announcement that IMM-124E, hyperimmune bovine antibodies used to make immune supplements Travelan and Protectyn, showed neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell-based assays.

Certain concentrations of IMM-124E inhibited viral replication by 90% with no signs of toxicity to cells.

CEO Jerry Kanellos, Ph.D. says the encouraging data warrants “further evaluation” for its potential use in COVID-19.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3593001-immuron-up-big-on-potential-of-hyperimmune-bovine-antibodies-in-covidminus-19

Bio-Techne launches ExoCovid-19 test for detection of SARS-CoV-2

Exosome Diagnostics, a Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) brand, has completed validation testing for COVID-19 and now offers the ExoCovid-19 test for detection of the virus in patient samples. The ExoCovid-19 test will be performed in its CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus testing will be performed in nasal, nasopharyngeal, and bronchoalveolar lavage patient specimens.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3592996-bio-techne-launches-exocovidminus-19-test-for-detection-of-sars-covminus-2

Grocery chain Winn-Dixie reverses policy, will require face masks in stores

The parent company of Southern supermarket chain Winn-Dixie said Monday that it is reversing its policy and will now require customers to wear masks at its stores to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Southeastern Grocers Inc. said the requirement will go into effect next Monday. The company had initially rejected a mask mandate, saying it did not want to put its workers in the position of having to ban customers.

But in a statement, the company headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., said its position had “evolved” and it wanted to more clearly emphasize the importance of its customers’, workers’ and communities’ safety. Still, the company said state and federal officials should be responsible for issuing mask requirements.

“We will continue to work with our peers in the retail industry to advocate for this sensible mandate to be passed into law to remove the burden from employers and their heroic frontline associates,” the company said.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/grocery-chain-winn-dixie-reverses-policy-will-require-face-masks-in-its-stores-2020-07-20

If Isolating At Home With Covid, Install Separate Window A/C Unit

With the temperatures rising, many people are running air conditioning systems throughout their homes or rooms.

But how safe is that if coronavirus is in the air? Even if there is some risk, experts say the same thing about your air conditioning.

“Certainly in these times of hot summers, we don’t want people turning off their air conditioning systems because heat stress will kill you faster than COVID-19,” said Dr. David Krause, a certified industrial hygienist.

So when it is really hot, do not turn off the AC. But here’s the reality.

“Air conditioning systems do move aerosols around the home. And if someone in the home is ill with COVID-19, those can be spread throughout the entire residence,” Dr. Krause said.

If someone is ill or suspected of having coronavirus, isolate them. Experts say to turn off the AC to that room and install a separate window unit or fan.

“Most of our home air conditioning systems do not bring in any outside air,” said Penn State University professor Bill Bahnfleth.

There is no fresh air unless you open the windows. And it is likely that the air conditioning filter is not helping much, as filters are rated on something called the MERV system.

“A typical home might only have a MERV 6 filter in it, which is a pretty low-efficiency filter,” Bahnfleth said.

To safeguard against coronavirus, you need a MERV 13 or higher filter.

“Unfortunately, these filters are typically much thicker, offer more air resistance, and will not fit within a standard central air conditioning system,” said Krause.

You may need to check out your air conditioning system to see if you have the best filter possible. And don’t forget, experts say to open your windows for fresh air whenever you can.

If Someone Is Isolating At Home With Coronavirus, Turn Off AC In Room And Install Separate Window Unit To Prevent Spreading