CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), the leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that the Company has submitted a clinical trial authorization (CTA) application to The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom to initiate a Phase 1 study of ALN-HSD, an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting HSD17B13 for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The Company plans to initiate a Phase 1 study in late 2020, upon obtaining MHRA approval.

We are excited to advance our ALN-HSD program to the clinic in partnership with Regeneron, particularly given the mass prevalence and high unmet need in NASH, a progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given the genetic validation of the target, we believe ALN-HSD has the potential to change the course of this serious and potentially life-threatening disease for which there are currently no approved pharmacologic treatment options, said David Erbe, Ph.D., Senior Distinguished Investigator, Program Leader, ALN-HSD program at Alnylam. Pending feedback from the MHRA, we look forward to initiating the Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and preliminary pharmacodynamic activity of ALN-HSD in healthy volunteers and patients with NASH.

About ALN-HSD

ALN-HSD is an investigational, subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutic targeting HSD17B13 in development in collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ALN-HSD utilizes Alnylam's Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus (ESC+) GalNAc-conjugate technology, which enables subcutaneous dosing with increased selectivity and a wide therapeutic index. The safety and efficacy of ALN-HSD have not been evaluated by the FDA, EMA or any other health authority.

About NASH

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease in which inflammation and liver cell injury are caused by accumulation of hepatic fat. NASH is a subset of a group of conditions called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that can lead to progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Comorbidities include obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Approximately 16 million people in the US live with NASH, with prevalence of the disease increasing due to rising rates of obesity. NASH is projected to be the leading indication for liver transplants in developed countries within the next 10 years. There are currently no approved medical therapies for NASH.

About RNAi

RNAi (RNA interference) is a natural cellular process of gene silencing that represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug development today. Its discovery has been heralded as "a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so," and was recognized with the award of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, a new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is now a reality. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam's RNAi therapeutic platform, function upstream of todays medicines by potently silencing messenger RNA (mRNA) the genetic precursors that encode for disease-causing or disease pathway proteins, thus preventing them from being made. This is a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the care of patients with genetic and other diseases.

About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) is leading the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare genetic, cardio-metabolic, hepatic infectious, and central nervous system (CNS)/ocular diseases. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach for the treatment of a wide range of severe and debilitating diseases. Founded in 2002, Alnylam is delivering on a bold vision to turn scientific possibility into reality, with a robust RNAi therapeutics platform. Alnylams commercial RNAi therapeutic products are ONPATTRO (patisiran), approved in the U.S., EU, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and Switzerland, and GIVLAARI (givosiran), approved in the U.S., EU, and Brazil. Alnylam has a deep pipeline of investigational medicines, including six product candidates that are in late-stage development. Alnylam is executing on its "Alnylam 2020" strategy of building a multi-product, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with a sustainable pipeline of RNAi-based medicines to address the needs of patients who have limited or inadequate treatment options. Alnylam is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information about our people, science and pipeline, please visit http://www.alnylam.com and engage with us on Twitter at @Alnylam or on LinkedIn.

Alnylam Forward-Looking Statements

Various statements in this release concerning Alnylam's future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, the potential of investigational RNAi therapeutics, in particular ALN-HSD, Alnylam's filing of a CTA for ALN-HSD and its expectations regarding the anticipated timing for initiation of a Phase 1 study of ALN-HSD, and expectations regarding the continued execution on its Alnylam 2020 guidance for the advancement and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and future plans may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation: the direct or indirect impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic or a future pandemic, such as the scope and duration of the outbreak, government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response, material delays in diagnoses of rare diseases, initiation or continuation of treatment for diseases addressed by Alnylam products, or in patient enrollment in clinical trials, potential supply chain disruptions, and other potential impacts to Alnylams business, the effectiveness or timeliness of steps taken by Alnylam to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, and Alnylams ability to execute business continuity plans to address disruptions caused by the COVID-19 or a future pandemic; Alnylam's ability to discover and develop novel drug candidates and delivery approaches and successfully demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its product candidates; the pre-clinical and clinical results for its product candidates, which may not be replicated or continue to occur in other subjects or in additional studies or otherwise support further development of product candidates for a specified indication or at all; actions or advice of regulatory agencies, which may affect the design, initiation, timing, continuation and/or progress of clinical trials or result in the need for additional pre-clinical and/or clinical testing; delays, interruptions or failures in the manufacture and supply of its product candidates, including ALN-HSD, or its marketed products; obtaining, maintaining and protecting intellectual property; intellectual property matters including potential patent litigation relating to its platform, products or product candidates; obtaining regulatory approval for its product candidates, including ALN-HSD, and maintaining regulatory approval and obtaining pricing and reimbursement for its products, including ONPATTRO and GIVLAARI; progress in continuing to establish a commercial and ex-United States infrastructure; successfully launching, marketing and selling its approved products globally, including ONPATTRO and GIVLAARI, and achieving net product revenues for ONPATTRO within its revised expected range during 2020; Alnylams ability to successfully expand the indication for ONPATTRO in the future; competition from others using technology similar to Alnylam's and others developing products for similar uses; Alnylam's ability to manage its growth and operating expenses within the ranges of guidance provided by Alnylam through the implementation of further discipline in operations to moderate spend and its ability to achieve a self-sustainable financial profile in the future without the need for future equity financing; Alnylams ability to establish and maintain strategic business alliances and new business initiatives, including completing an agreement for funding by Blackstone of certain R&D activities for vutrisiran and ALN-AGT; Alnylam's dependence on third parties, including Regeneron, for development, manufacture and distribution of certain products, including eye and CNS products, Ironwood, for assistance with the education about and promotion of GIVLAARI, and Vir for the development of ALN-COV and other potential RNAi therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2 and host factors for SARS-CoV-2; the outcome of litigation; the risk of government investigations; and unexpected expenditures; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" filed with Alnylam's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in other filings that Alnylam makes with the SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Alnylam's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Alnylam explicitly disclaims any obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update any forward-looking statements.

ALN-HSD has not been evaluated by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of this investigational therapeutic.

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Alnylam Submits CTA Application for ALN-HSD, an Investigational RNAi Therapeutic for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) - Business...

Huma Q. Rana, MD, MPH, discusses the rationale for the ProGen trial, which compared the effectiveness of video education versus in-person genetic counseling for men with prostate cancer.

Huma Q. Rana, MD, MPH, anassistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School andclinical directorofCancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the rationale for the ProGen trial, which compared the effectiveness of video education versus in-person genetic counseling for men with prostate cancer.

There are increasing indications for germline genetic testing in prostate cancer, says Rana. Through several clinical studies, the field has recognized that there is a high prevalence of inherited mutations among men with advanced prostate cancers, and this could have significant implications on treatment. Men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those with underlying mutations in genes such asBRCA2, are known to have poor outcomes, says Rana. Therefore, it is important to identify these men and make matched targeted therapy available to them and their oncologists.

In recognizing that prostate cancer is a very common disease and that traditional germline genetic testing would be very difficult to implementpotentially overwhelming already strained systems for genetic testinga randomized controlled trialwas conducted. In the trial, investigators compared the effectiveness of a short videothat focused on the educational components of a genetic counseling visit with in-person genetic counseling for men with potentially lethal prostate cancers, concludes Rana.

Link:

Dr. Rana on the Rationale for Video Genetic Counseling in Prostate Cancer - OncLive

The pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline is starting human trials of the first medicine, a cancer drug, that has emerged from its two-year-old collaboration with consumer genetics firm 23andMe.

The novel partnership focuses on using 23andMes massive genetic database, composed of the test results and self-reported health data from 12 million consumers who have taken its tests to learn about their ancestry and a smattering of disease-related genes, and who have said their samples could be used in research. GSK uses the database to try and validate genes and proteins that could be what researchers call targets for new drugs that is, the proteins and other molecules whose functions medicines block or otherwise change.

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Cancer drug is first therapy to emerge from 23andMe-GSK deal - STAT - STAT

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionano Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNGO), today announced the publication of the first study to utilize its genome imaging system, Saphyr, for the analysis of structural variants (SVs) in lung cancer and metastases. The study, published in Translational Lung Cancer Research by a team of scientists from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Medical College, analyzed SVs using both short-read next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) and Bionanos Saphyr system on a primary lung squamous cell carcinoma sample, and on matched metastases from lymph node and pulmonary vein. The study showed that Saphyr outperformed NGS-based methods in the detection of structural variants to characterize the genetic heterogeneity between the primary tumor and the matched metastases.

Of 1026 large SVs detected on average by Saphyr in each of the tumor types, the NGS-based methods failed to detect an average of 77%. Saphyr identified 52 SVs shared between the metastases, while no shared SVs were found by NGS-based methods.

The study authors stated that Saphyr is more capable of detecting large and complex SVs, without the computational and bioinformatic challenges that come with SV calling from NGS data. They found that like with point mutations and small insertions/deletions detected with NGS, SVs make up a large part of tumor heterogeneity. The authors describe that the combination of NGS and Saphyr allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the variation between primary tumor and metastases, with Saphyr making up for the inability of NGS to detect large SVs.

Erik Holmlin, Ph.D., CEO of Bionano Genomics commented: Researchers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of genome-wide and unbiased detection of structural variants in cancer and of the severe limitations of NGS-based methods to do so.We are pleased to see this publication showing that Saphyr provided a comprehensive view of structural variants in lung cancer, the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide.Unlike short-read sequencing protocols which start with fragmenting the genomic DNA of the tumor, Bionanos genome imaging analyzes long, intact DNA molecules that are hundreds of thousands to millions of basepairs long, which enables Saphyrto detect structural variants that couldnt be identified before. We believe this study and the growing body of publications on Bionano data show that Saphyr is indispensable for personalized medicine and for furthering the understanding of tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

The study is available at http://tlcr.amegroups.com/article/view/40176/html.

About Bionano Genomics

Bionano is a genome analysis company providing tools and services based on its Saphyr system to scientists and clinicians conducting genetic research and patient testing. Bionanos Saphyr system is a platform for ultra-sensitive and ultra-specific structural variation detection that enables researchers and clinicians to accelerate the search for new diagnostics and therapeutic targets and to streamline the study of changes in chromosomes, which is known as cytogenetics. The Saphyr system is comprised of an instrument, chip consumables, reagents and a suite of data analysis tools, and genome analysis services to provide access to data generated by the Saphyr system for researchers who prefer not to adopt the Saphyr system in their labs. For more information, visitwww.bionanogenomics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may, will, expect, plan, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: Saphyrs capabilities in comparison to NGS-based methods; and Saphyrs potential as an indispensable tool for personalized medicine and furthering understanding of cancer in the medical community. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape and the introduction of competitive products; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the loss of key members of management and our commercial team; and the risks and uncertainties associated withour business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in other filings subsequently made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

CONTACTSCompany Contact:Erik Holmlin, CEOBionano Genomics, Inc.+1 (858) 888-7610eholmlin@bionanogenomics.com

Investor Relations Contact:Ashley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLC+1 (617) 430-7577arr@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact:Kirsten ThomasThe Ruth Group+1 (508) 280-6592kthomas@theruthgroup.com

Originally posted here:

Metastatic Lung Cancer Study Finds That Bionano's Saphyr Outperforms NGS for the Detection of Structural Variants - GlobeNewswire

MM&M first wrote about health medias COVID-19 coverage several thousand news cycles ago on February 3, to be precise. That story concluded with the following paragraph:

So it will continue to fall on health media to alternately inform, educate, soothe and de-escalate. We really need to keep thinking through how we do our jobs in an environment, like this one, where there can be misinformation. If I talk about bat soup, versus be sure to wash your hands, whats going to get more traffic? We need to do more to elevate credible information, even if it sometimes is boring.

That last quote, from WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte, feels prescient with the benefit of hindsight. Sporadic bursts of overcaution notwithstanding, health media publications and commentators embraced their elevation mission. Drowning out the deniers and grifters wasnt always easy, but nearly every health media organization attacked the task with insight and empathy. In doing so, they elevated the level of understanding and, in all likelihood, prevented people from getting sick, or sicker.

For an insider view of the continuing coverage of COVID-19, we asked leaders from a range of media-adjacent organizations to weigh in on social media follows, coverage blind spots and more. The MM&M media panel included: Jack Barrette, CEO and founder of Wego Health; Amy Conway, editor-in-chief of Health; Alexandra Gilson, director, social media at CMI/Compas; Richelle Horn, senior director, marketing at Wego Health; Craig Mait, president and chief revenue officer of Mesmerize; Andrea Palmer, president of Publicis Health Media; Georgette Pascale, founder and CEO of Pascale Communications; Dr. Judith Simmons, managing director of healthcare at Gather and founder of Lion Head Advisors; Cynthia Spitalny, senior director, integrated marketing at Outcome Health; and Whyte. Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Simmons: Good curation has been key. COVID updates at The New York Times, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, STAT, Nature Briefing, Science, The COVID Tracking Project, The New England Journal of Medicine, Kaiser Health News and the CDC have kept up with the rapid pace of important information. Current and former officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Tom Frieden and Andy Slavitt are experienced and valued voices.

Palmer: Times Up Healthcare (@timesuphc) on Twitter. Only 20% of the decision-makers in healthcare are women, which was an issue before the pandemic and will continue to be an issue if we dont advocate in this space. From a media standpoint, its been fascinating to see how brands are embracing platforms such as TikTok to spread helpful messaging, from P&Gs use of influencers to drive the #DistanceDance phenomenon to fitness and athletic companies creating at-home workout challenges.

Whyte: I focus on Twitter, because I find Instagram doesnt provide the ability to have as much dialogue. @GilBashe curates interesting scientific and policy-type articles. @JeromeAdams, the Surgeon Generals personal account, provides a personal perspective as well as succinct advice on managing the pandemic. @DrJenCaudle is an African-American physician who shares very practical advice.

Conway: On Twitter, Angela Rasmussen (@angie_rasmussen) is a Columbia virologist who shares and demystifies the latest news on COVID-19, calls out others for disinformation and promotes diversity and inclusion and manages to do it all with a dose of humor. Craig Spencer (@Craig_A_Spencer) an ER doctor and Director of Global Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, has shared what it was like to be on the front lines back in March and if youre looking for guidance on masks, read his A Soliloquy on Masks. Leah Douglas (@leahjdouglas), a reporter for the Food & Environment Reporting Network, has been mapping COVID-19 outbreaks in the food system. The coverage is impressive, fascinating and terrifying.

Pascale: On Instagram, @humansofny and @wetheurban give a realistic approach to who [are] and what is really being affected.

Gilson: Governor Andrew Cuomo has been a voice of authority in this new normal, with New Yorkers being on the frontlines battling the pandemic in its early stages.

Spitalny: With multiple family members and friends working in healthcare, I am a big champion of frontline essential workers. Mask Match, a nonprofit that helps people with spare masks send them directly to healthcare workers on the front lines or donate to replenish their PPE, was something important to elevate.

Mait: We have relied on the CDC to track cases in the U.S. and for information to protect ourselves and our communities. We have also become more active on LinkedIn than ever before, seeking out leaders of similar-sized organizations to ours to see how they are responding to and dealing with the situation.

Barrette: One of my favorites on Facebook is frontline nurse and immunocompromised patient leader MarlaJan Wexler, who cuts through the politics and BS as only a nurse can do.

Whyte: Laurie McGinley at the Washington Post always provides good analysis of important issues. Shes not trying to get clicks. STAT is terrific for a daily morning update. And living in the Washington, D.C. area, I find Bob Cusack and his team at The Hill helps me understand everything happening in DC that may impact me. Its succinct and timely.

Spitalny: It has been interesting to see how mainstream journalists have been covering the innovative ways companies have addressed their business challenges during the pandemic. I have also been listening to a lot more news through podcasts, like NPRs up first and NY Times The Daily. They help prepare me for the day and keep me apprised of topics that may become important to what we message and pursue as an organization.

Palmer: COVID has shown us just how important it is to create content with a consciencecontent that works in service to the people who consume it. Lets elevate voices in the media who are dedicated to truth and facts, like Pien Huang from the Science Desk at NPR. Since the start of the outbreak, she has consistently shared thought-provoking pieces that aim to educate readers.

Conway: Olga Khazns articles for The Atlantic are engrossing and surprising, answering questions you might not even have thought to ask: Why did it take so long for therapists to start seeing clients remotely? Why does Americas sick leave policy work against its workers? Is a socially distanced pool still fun? STATs no-nonsense news reporting by Sharon Begley, Helen Branswell and Andrew Joseph goes deep into the science of COVID-19 but is always readable, engaging and enlightening.

Barrette: Overall, traditional media has pounded us with the latest hours sound bites from experts who themselves are learning real time about this disease. The result is confusion, fear, complacency and desensitized consumers

Gilson: More important than individual voices has been the collective conversation on COVID, stemming from patients and HCPs trying to navigate chronic diseases and cancer which did not let up despite the pandemic monopolizing health conversations. Those patients and their doctors are still in need of critical information, now more than ever, to keep up to date on treatments and recovery in a post-COVID world. Individual voices such as Governor Cuomo and Dr. Fauci will continue to be important in the evolving climate, but Pharma should continue to pay attention to the masses in understanding trends and sentiment within healthcare.

Pascale: Local papers and online sources are covering the news that is real and relevant to you. Sometimes its most helpful to track how things are influencing you locally, in your own backyard.

Simmons: The New York Times has stood out in providing local, national, and global views, reporting on the science, and publishing beautiful data visualizations that have helped make information clear for readers.

Mait: Unfortunately, many of us are avoiding mainstream media and news cable channels as they appear to be adding to the problem by politicizing COVID-19. Weve relied on Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasios daily press briefings on TV for updates on COVID-19s progress in New York. We try to listen to the medical professionals giving proper information, like the CDC, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Spitalny: I am most impressed by 17-year-old Avi Schiffmann, the high school web developer who had the foresight to begin tracking COVID-19 in December when it wasnt really a news topic in the United States. His website demonstrates that ingenuity and talent can come from anywhere. Although he was offered up to $8 million from sponsors and has had numerous job offers, he declined all of it; he is adamant about protecting the integrity of the data and the site.

Simmons: Dr. Craig Smith, chair of the Department of Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, started writing a series of daily letters that spanned a 50,000-foot overview to the ground level of his hospital. He shared important information with perspective, warmth, context and occasionally poetry. Each letter was a realistic and human assessment of the moment and collectively they have become a narrative of the pandemic.

Palmer: NPRs What Do Coronavirus Racial Disparities Look Like State By State? should be required reading. Its thorough and outlines through visuals and statistics how and why people of color are so disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We need to put this new data into action, creating points of connection and communication where they are missing or ineffective. Moving America in a healthy direction will be about more than combatting the virus effectively; itll be about advancing our society justly and inclusively.

Conway: Some Coronavirus Guidelines, a New Yorker piece by John Kenney published in March, offers helpful guidelines on how to handle the Coronavirus crisisbeginning with the simple dont panic and wash your hands and progressing to the end of the world. Its funny because it pokes fun at the very real escalation of thoughts and fears we were having at the time (and still are!).

Whyte: The reporting in March around the growing mental health epidemic was prescient. I think some people thought it was just anxiety and would go away. But we are seeing how the pandemic is exacerbating mental health issues in those persons already diagnosed, as well as creating new mental health problems in people who never exhibited problems. I give credit to Arianna Huffington and her Thrive platform, which has been sounding the alarm bell from the beginning. The medical community has only recently come around to recognizing the problem.

Spitalny: The personal impact that this pandemic has taken on HCPs has felt overlooked. My husband is a physicians assistant and works at a major hospital, so seeing his day-to-day activity and knowing that other HCPs are probably going through something similar (burnout, cut wages for longer hours, etc.) suggest there are stories that needed to be told that were grittier than just the headline.

Whyte: We dont have an adequate explanation of the data. We report the number of cases and deaths, but we dont focus enough on local infection rates and what they mean. Early on, many cases occurred in clusters in certain counties. That was relevant to know when we talked about containment. We also didnt acknowledge the uncertainty of data, that we were learning as we went along. So we made different recommendations at different times relating to masks and antibody testing. That caused confusion and eroded trust.

Mait: During the last few months, there has been a lack of leadership from the federal government, a lack of a centralized voice with clear messaging and, of course, a lack of scientific data given the novelty of the disease. This disease is something that so clearly should not be politicized, yet it has been. What we need is a real task force with a centralized voice that everyone has access to and that is not politicized. Coverage should focus on the top doctors and what they are doing and saying about COVID-19 and the reasons why.

Simmons: The unprecedented breadth of achievements in six months related to this virus and pandemic. COVID-19 is a totally new disease and when I look back on what has been accomplished in basic science, therapeutics, clinical management, vaccine development, transmission and adjustments in how people live and work in just months its amazing. It matters because we need to use the growing bank of facts and science that we have learned to guide us as we move ahead. We know a lot more now.

Horn: Having had cancer and working so closely with patient leaders, I would like to see more coverage on how people living with chronic health conditions (immunocompromised, genetic disorders, metabolic disorders) should safely, if at all, re-enter society as things begin to open up.

Pascale: People have mistakenly thought this was going to be over by now. We need to continue to put emphasis on what we are doing as we move forward. For example, with my sons basketball camp canceled, we made do by involving him with a mini-camp in the neighborhood. These kinds of things are important to talk about, as they show how people are functioning during this time. Hyperlocal pieces can be helpful, witty and smart, and get people to a better place of understanding.

Conway: The reporting is starting to catch up, but it took a while before there was substantial coverage about how discrimination and disparity play into the pandemic. Because of long-standing inequities, African-Americans, Hispanics and Latinos and American Indians/Alaskan Natives are at increased risk for getting or becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. The LGBTQ+ community already faces discrimination when seeking healthcare and may avoid getting care. Socioeconomic disparity means that children without computers or reliable Wi-Fi are not able to learn online. Workers without paid sick leave or other benefits may put themselves or others into vulnerable situations. The list goes on.

Palmer: We need to make sure that science-based solutions are not being politicized in the news. With the rise of Black Lives Matter, we are now more aware of the social determinants that have led to disproportionate COVID-19 cases in the Black community but we havent heard enough about solutions. Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than White Americans. That statistic should send shock waves through everyone, and inspire wide-scale behavior change. If individuals arent doing it themselves, its worth asking in our industry how media and marketing can create the impetus for broader institutional change to take place.

Whyte: 1. Data needs to be presented in terms of local infection rates. Everyone isnt a NYC or small town in Wyoming. You need to put the data in context. 2. Stop all the talk about the vaccine, because its just not realistic. Lets have a real discussion around risk and help people understand how to live with the virus. 3. Acknowledge the role of innovation. Despite some problems with testing and mixed results from therapeutics, we had nothing five months ago. The perfect cannot be the enemy of the good.

Simmons: We havent communicated a clear understanding of how the virus is transmitted, how pandemics grow and how one persons actions may affect others. Mask wearing has become politicized, rather than normalized, and that must change. Weve got to keep refreshing peoples knowledge and presenting essential information in all ways across all platforms. This virus is not going away and we will have to adapt to it.

Conway: 1. The importance of improving diversity in the fields of science and medical care. In 2018, just 5% of active doctors in the United States identified as Black or African-American, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. According to the American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association, just 4% of psychologists in the U.S. and 2% of psychiatrists are Black. Having different viewpoints and voices can improve care for all. 2. What are the long-term ramifications for children in terms of socialization, education and overall health and well-being? What services have special-needs children been gettingor more importantly, not gettingduring the pandemic?

Barrette: 1. Share concrete steps that every consumer can take, and specifically how those steps will lessen the suffering caused by the virus *in their area*. For example, if 80% of Bostonians wore masks starting now, you could watch the Red Sox in August. If its just 50%, the season is canceled. 2. Check the facts before publishing anything. If theyre wrong, either dont put them out or correct them. 3. Share more stories of how [US geography here] truly flattened the curve and back it up with data.

Spitalny: Id like to see coverage of how content providers are creating compelling, unbiased information about the benefits of wearing a mask. Id also like to see a full 360-degree look at whats happening in healthcare beyond the explosion of telehealth. Id like to see journalists tackle touchy topics like, for example, if hospitals are losing money because of electives being pushed or on the personal impact of the coronavirus crisis on HCPs in terms of mental health and loan burden. Are these crises within a crisis?

Pascale: 1. Focusing on the positives a bit more would be nice. There has been some good news that hasnt received enough recognition. 2. Reiterating that we still need to be responsible. We need to find a balance in coverage about continuing to take precautions, and how to do so. Repetition builds retention! 3. Collaborating and working together to make things happen quicker, especially scientifically. With more people sharing data when developing drugs, the endpoint can be sped up safely and effectively.

Horn: I would like to see more of an emphasis on preventative care. What are the effects of skipping or delaying appointments, or discontinuing medications? As someone who had her thyroid cancer detected during a normal well visit, I want the media to encourage people to continue to seek care during this time.

Palmer: Talk about a moving target. A little while ago, we were excited about gradual reopening and outdoor dining. By late June, we were seeing around 40,000 new cases a day, with Dr. Fauci warning the sum could rise to 100,000 new cases a day. That said, the media needs to continue focusing on prevention and caution. When this started, we saw a lot of coverage around quick fixes for our stress levels and overall quarantine wellness, such as virtual fitness classes. Now, we know we are in this for the long run, and people need endurance. They need long-term solutions to the mental health challenges were mired in. Coming off COVID-19, we need the media to look at mental health with fresh eyes and future-facing insights.

From the August 01, 2020 Issue of MM&M - Medical Marketing and Media

Read more:

Health Media in the COVID-19 Era: A mid-wave report - Features - MM&M - Medical Marketing and Media