• The Current State of the Coronavirus

As we head into the winter months, coronavirus cases seem to be rising all over the world. How is this time different than last February, March, and April? What have we learned as a country? Hear Barry and Steve’s thoughts as we look at the current state of the coronavirus and share our thoughts looking forward. As always, please click here or give us a call at 615.370.4040 if you have any questions or thoughts.

• Pfizer To Test Vaccine In Tennessee

  Last week, the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, announced its COVID-19 vaccine was shown to be 90% effective based on preliminary testing data. This week, it released the four states chosen to test their vaccine distribution plan: Rhode Island, Texas, New Mexico, and Tennessee. According to WSMV, the states were chosen based on their differences in size, population diversity, and immunization infrastructure. The company still needs to receive FDA approval. For the vaccine to remain effective, the vaccine must be stored close to 100 degrees below zero, or 20 degrees colder than winter on the South Pole. Pfizer is currently exploring storage options for their product.

  
  

• Speaking of COVID Vaccines...

  After Pfizer announced preliminary results for its COVID-19 vaccine last week, biotech company Moderna Inc. said on Monday that its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing disease, according to a clinical trial. The trial included 30,000 volunteers. According to NPR, half received two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart, while half received two shots of a placebo on the same schedule. Both Moderna and Pfizer use the same technology to make their vaccines.

   

• Tesla Breaks Into The S&P 500

  On Monday, the S&P 500, a stock market index that measures the 500 largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States, announced that the electric automaker, Tesla, will be added to the index before trading on December 21st. The announcement puts the company on the same level as Apple, Amazon, and Berkshire Hathaway. After the announcement, Tesla shares soared 13.7% higher in after-market trading. Tesla's stock is currently up over 500% YTD as of Thursday, November 19th.

• Amazon Launches Prescription Delivery Arm

  Can you order everything off of Amazon? The company is furthering their reach by unveiling a pharmacy platform on Tuesday. Amazon purchased online pharmacy, PillPack, in 2018, but this announcement marks the largest move Amazon has made in the healthcare industry. According to NPR, the retail giant says shoppers in 45 states, excluding Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Minnesota, can now order prescriptions for delivery within days. The company will not deliver most opioids. Amazon promises free two-day delivery for Prime members.

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