S6, Ep 23- Nobel Prize Recognizes Scientists Behind COVID-19 Vaccine

Our hosts discuss the latest news on the Novavax COVID vaccine approval, a lawsuit benefitting patients using copay assistance, and what cases the Supreme Court will hear this month. For the main topic, The Health Advocates congratulate Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, who were awarded the Novel Prize for their work on the COVID vaccine, and take a look at the pathway to discovering mRNA technology. “They [Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman] get a cash award… but even more than that, they have the satisfaction of knowing that their work has saved millions of lives already and will continue to save millions more in the decades to come,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:36: Our hosts discuss the FDA's recent approval of the Novavax COVID vaccine, which is now available for individuals 12 and older and is targeting the Omicron subvariant 01:15: Steven highlights a significant court decision vital for patients who rely on copay assistance 03:33: Steven discusses a Supreme Court case called Acheson Hotels versus Laufer, and the right to bring lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 06:19: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, emphasizes the need for businesses to be upfront about their accommodations for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the broader societal implications of the Supreme Court case [Acheson Hotels versus Laufer] 07:14: Steven touches on a potential Supreme Court case related to the mifepristone battle, underscoring the complexities of the legal landscape 08:35: Zoe and Steven celebrate the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccines 09:13: Our hosts discuss the history of RNA and its significance, laying the groundwork for understanding the importance of mRNA (Messenger RNA) technology 12:08: Zoe and Steven discuss the role of COVID-19 in amplifying the urgency of mRNA vaccine development 13:06: Zoe emphasizes the role of advocacy in pushing forward critical research, suggesting that vocal support can be a driving force behind scientific advancements 13:37 - Our hosts commend the transformative impact of mRNA technology on the world of vaccines, especially given its applications beyond COVID-19 14:52: What our hosts learned from this episode Contact Our Hosts Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.