PharmaMedic’s COVID-19 Resource Round-Up 24 Mar 2020
We are living and working through unprecedented times as countries around the world are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, news about the virus itself, measures implemented by different countries, travel advice and restrictions, as well as updates from organisations about their business continuity efforts, are dominating our professional and personal social media feeds. With so much information circulating on an hourly basis, it can be tricky to know where to turn for reliable guidance and insights.
In this brief article, we summarise some essential resources available from a business, pharmaceutical research, and individual perspective.
For individuals
Unfortunately, there has been a spread of misleading information circulating across social media and sections of the press since the emergence in COVID-19. For individuals in the UK, the NHS Coronavirus hub is the most reliable port of call where emerging guidance and information will be shared.
In addition, the WHO is sharing its advice, updates and guidance here.
For researchers
Medics, data scientists, biologists and other research and development experts are working together with urgency to develop diagnostics, therapies and prophylactics for COVID-19. There is already a wealth of data and information resources available, and this is growing every day. Below are a few key ports of call:
The Lancet has created a Coronavirus Resource Centre to assist health workers and researchers working on addressing the crisis.
The John Hopkins Covid Resource Centre is also a useful hub and includes a map regularly updated with case data.
Richard Torbett, the Chief Executive of the UK’s ABPI, is circulating regular updates among members and has alerted pharmaceutical companies to the dedicated hotlines that have been established for anyone to contribute their ideas about support. The ABPI’s hub is available here, and we would encourage anyone in our network to review the information and get in touch directly.
For Business
Online publication Pharmaphorum has compiled a handy monitor of tracking cancelled, delayed and digitised pharmaceutical conferences as well as highlighting those that are currently going ahead as planned later in the year. Event organisers wishing to add events to Pharmaphorum’s list can email press@pharmaphorum.com.
Twitter profiles to follow for information
Navigating Twitter can be tricky. However, it is a useful way to keep up to date with news almost as it happens. Below are some of the authoritative Twitter accounts you may wish to follow:
Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser
Professor Chris Whitty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer
World Health Organization (WHO)
These are undoubtedly challenging and unsettling times for us all. Yet, it is encouraging to see the extent of the collaboration across the medical, pharmaceutical and academic communities. Significant progress has already been made towards vaccine development, treatment repurposing, and diagnostics. As pharmaceutical professionals, our roles are more critical than ever, and we at PharmaMedic are hopeful that as an industry, we will rise to the challenge ahead of us.