---
title: "Subscribers"
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers?start=884"
date: "2026-07-31T09:40:38+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

[![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/3M.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1631:3m-sues-seller-on-amazon-who-charged-grossly-inflated-prices-for-fake-defective-and-damaged-n95-respirators-falsely-advertised-under-3m-brand&catid=12)

##  [3M Sues Seller on Amazon Who Charged Grossly Inflated Prices for Fake, Defective and Damaged N95 Respirators Falsely Advertised Under 3M Brand](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1631:3m-sues-seller-on-amazon-who-charged-grossly-inflated-prices-for-fake-defective-and-damaged-n95-respirators-falsely-advertised-under-3m-brand&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 10 June 2020.

A new California lawsuit is part of 3M’s global effort to combat fraud and price gouging and help protect the public against those exploiting the demand for critical products during the pandemic.

3M filed a legal action on June 8th in federal court in California, asserting that a seller on Amazon defrauded its customers by charging grossly inflated prices for fake, defective, and damaged respirator products. The lawsuit alleges that Mao Yu and his affiliated companies falsely advertised as third-party sellers on Amazon under the 3M brand. The defendants, according to 3M’s complaint, charged unsuspecting customers more than $350,000 when the customers responded to false listings that claimed to be reselling authentic N95 respirators, while actually selling damaged and fake goods at highly-inflated prices.

3M alleges that the defendants charged prices for the fraudulent respirators that exceeded as much as 20 times 3M’s N95 respirator list prices. Amazon learned that the defendants misrepresented what would be delivered for these exorbitant prices, and that buyers had received non-3M respirators, fewer items than purchased, products in suspect packaging, and defective or damaged items. Amazon has blocked the accounts on its platform.

The complaint seeks both monetary damages and injunctive relief to require the defendants to cease their unlawful activities. 3M will donate any damages recovered to COVID-19-related nonprofit organizations.

“3M customers deserve authentic products at fair prices, and this scam is aimed at exploiting the demand for our critical products during the pandemic using 3M’s name connected with price gouging and counterfeiting,” said Denise Rutherford, 3M Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “Our collaboration with Amazon is one of the important ways we are working to prevent and combat fraud, and we will report this unlawful activity to law enforcement, as well.”

“There is no place for counterfeiting or price gouging on Amazon and we’re proud to be working with 3M to hold these bad actors accountable,” said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon Vice President, Customer Trust and Partner Support. “Amazon has long-standing policies against counterfeiting and price gouging and processes in place to proactively block suspicious products and egregious prices. When we find a bad actor violating our policies, we work quickly to remove the products and take action on the bad actor, as we’ve done here, and we welcome collaboration from brands like 3M.”

3M has not changed the prices it charges for respirators as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Including this legal action 3M has filed more than a dozen lawsuits in its fight against fraud, price gouging and counterfeiting. 3M has won five temporary restraining orders and four preliminary injunction orders from courts across the country that put a stop to other defendants’ unlawful and unethical profiteering from the pandemic.

To date, 3M has successfully secured the removal of more than 3000 websites with fraudulent or counterfeit product offerings from e-commerce platforms around the world, more than 4000 false or deceptive social media posts, and more than 100 deceptive internet addresses.

3M has deployed its internal and external litigation team in its efforts to combat fraud. In this case, 3M is represented by Kevin Mayer and Andrea D’Ambra of Norton Rose Fulbright, and Christopher Weimer of Pirkey Barber.

Resources to fight fraud

3M has created a hotline to call for information on how to help identify authentic 3M products and to ensure products are from 3M authorized distributors. That number, in the U.S. and Canada, is (800) 426-8688.

If customers have concerns about potentially fraudulent activity, price gouging, or counterfeit 3M products, they can report their concerns at [3M’s website](https://www.3m.com/).

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Equipment](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/equipment), [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Bavarian_Nordic_Logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1628:bavarian-nordic-announces-topline-results-from-phase-1-clinical-trial-of-equine-encephalitis-virus-vaccine&catid=12)

##  [Bavarian Nordic Announces Topline Results From Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1628:bavarian-nordic-announces-topline-results-from-phase-1-clinical-trial-of-equine-encephalitis-virus-vaccine&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 08 June 2020.

Bavarian Nordic announced today topline results from the the first-in-human trial of MVA-BN® WEV, a prophylactic vaccine candidate against three equine encephalitis viruses (western, eastern and Venezuelan), for which there are currently no preventative vaccines available.

The Phase 1 trial, funded by the United States Department of Defense’s (DOD) Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense’s (JPEO-CBRND) Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical (JPM CBRN Medical) was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of MVA-BN WEV in 45 healthy adults in three treatment groups receiving different doses of the vaccine. All subjects were revaccinated after four weeks.

Data from the study showed that the vaccine was well tolerated and immunogenic across all dose groups. Neutralizing antibody responses were observed in all dose groups, with peak levels reached after the second vaccination. Responses were detected as early as 2 weeks after the first vaccination in the highest dose group, in which also complete seroconversion was observed after the second vaccination. The most common vaccine-related adverse event was injection site pain.

These clinically meaningful Phase 1 data warrant further clinical investigation, and Bavarian Nordic is currently in the process of obtaining additional funding from the U.S. authorities for the further clinical advancement of the vaccine candidate.

“We are pleased to report positive topline results from the first-in-human trial with our vaccine candidate against equine encephalitis viruses. A safe and effective vaccine against this fatal disease is a high priority for the U.S. government and we believe that our vaccine candidate is well positioned to meet these requirements. Our public-private partnership with the U.S. has previously shown the way for the successful development of vaccines against smallpox and Ebola, and we hope to continue the fruitful collaboration in this important disease area as well,” said Paul Chaplin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bavarian Nordic.

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/0f/Castor_Beans-0f93abfb.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1627:czechs-expel-two-russian-diplomats-over-hoax-poison-plot&catid=12)

##  [Czechs Expel Two Russian Diplomats Over Hoax Poison Plot](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1627:czechs-expel-two-russian-diplomats-over-hoax-poison-plot&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 05 June 2020.

In a follow up to the story posted on May 4th, Government officials in the Czech Republic have expelled two Russian diplomats over a hoax poison plot against local politicians.

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

 [Read more …Czechs Expel Two Russian Diplomats Over Hoax Poison Plot](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1627:czechs-expel-two-russian-diplomats-over-hoax-poison-plot&catid=12)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/20th_CBRNE_Logo.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1626:20th-cbrne-change-of-command-to-be-held-virtually&catid=12)

##  [20th CBRNE Change of Command to be held virtually](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1626:20th-cbrne-change-of-command-to-be-held-virtually&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 05 June 2020.

On June 9, 2020, the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command's Commanding General, Brig. Gen. James E. Bonner, will virtually relinquish command to Brig. Gen. Antonio V. Munera.

Members of the public and the media are invited to attend the virtual ceremony via Facebook Live to adhere to Department of Defense social distancing guidelines and maintain the continued safety and wellbeing of 20th CBRNE Soldiers and employees.

When: The Facebook Livestream will begin at 10 a.m. on June 9.

Where: The Facebook Livestream can be found at the following link: [](https://www.facebook.com/20thCBRNECommand)<https://www.facebook.com/20thCBRNECommand>

An additional livestream will be hosted at 9:15 a.m. to broadcast Brig. Gen. Bonner's receipt of the Army's Distinguished Service Medal.

Members of the media seeking more information can contact the 20th CBRNE Public Affairs Office at [](https://cbrneworld.com/javascript:/*%20This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.*/)[](https://cbrneworld.com/javascript:/*%20This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.*/).

Photos, video and an overview of the ceremony will be posted to DVIDS for download and distribution following the ceremony here: [](https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/20CS-CBRNE)<https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/20CS-CBRNE>.

Brig. Gen. Munera is succeeding Brig. Gen. Bonner, who has been selected as the next Commanding General at the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Brig. Gen. Bonner has commanded the 20th CBRNE Command since July 2017.

Brig. Gen. Munera is currently the Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC), Fort Knox, Kentucky. Prior to assuming his current position, Brig. Gen. Munera served as the 30th Chief of Chemical and Commandant of the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School from June 2017 to April 2019.

The 20th CBRNE Command is a highly-technical, special purpose formation of approximately 3,800 soldiers and 225 civilians in 16 states on 19 different installations, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The 20th CBRNE Command is the Army's and Defense Department's only integrated command with CBRN, EOD, and lab capabilities.

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/c2/Russian-Flag-c2d050a7.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1625:russia-signs-in-new-nuclear-policy&catid=12)

##  [Russia Signs In New Nuclear Policy](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1625:russia-signs-in-new-nuclear-policy&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 03 June 2020.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new government policy for nuclear deterrence yesterday that apparently allows the use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional arms attacks.

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Nuclear](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/nuclear)

 [Read more …Russia Signs In New Nuclear Policy](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1625:russia-signs-in-new-nuclear-policy&catid=12)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/5a/Poison_Bottle-5a1e2755.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1624:german-police-investigating-poisoned-drinks&catid=12)

##  [German Police Investigating Poisoned Drinks](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1624:german-police-investigating-poisoned-drinks&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 03 June 2020.

German Police announced yesterday that they have opened an investigation after finding drinks with a “deadly poison” in two supermarkets in the city of Munich.

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical)

 [Read more …German Police Investigating Poisoned Drinks](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1624:german-police-investigating-poisoned-drinks&catid=12)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Flir.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1622:flir-systems-installs-its-est-screening-solution-at-pentagon-to-support-the-fight-against-covid-19&catid=12)

##  [FLIR Systems Installs its EST Screening Solution at Pentagon to Support the Fight Against COVID-19](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1622:flir-systems-installs-its-est-screening-solution-at-pentagon-to-support-the-fight-against-covid-19&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 02 June 2020.

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced it has installed its EST screening system at the Pentagon Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The company’s integrated EST screening solution, the A700 EST-IS, features the FLIR A700 thermal imaging camera. The system is being used to screen visitors for elevated or higher than expected skin temperatures, which can help guard against the spread of COVID-19.

The installation of its EST system at the Pentagon is one of many efforts FLIR is currently discussing with United States Department of Defense officials for applications across the armed services. The news follows statements made by FLIR President and CEO Jim Cannon on a recent earnings call that the company booked roughly $100 million in new EST business in the first quarter of 2020. More recently, General Motors announced it will use FLIR cameras at many of its sites to screen workers in an effort to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“For more than 40 years, FLIR has provided advanced thermal imaging technology to America’s military — on its aircraft, helicopters, ships at sea, and to forces on land,” said Cannon. “We’re honored to again serve the U.S. defense community in this effort to better protect visitors to the Pentagon and support elevated skin temperature screening.”

For applications in public buildings, hospitals, airports, schools, sports venues, or manufacturing, FLIR Systems’ EST cameras can be a first line of defense in managing the risks associated with a global pandemic. These groups and others are using FLIR thermal imaging cameras and software for the initial screening needed to help detect people with signs of elevated skin temperature. Once identified, those individuals can be checked with a medical device to determine if they have a fever, one of the symptoms of a coronavirus or other flu infection.

FLIR is the global leader in thermal cameras for temperature screening-related applications. Its technology has been employed worldwide by customers since the 2003 SARS epidemic, with unique functionality that includes advanced measurement tools and alarms to enable faster critical decisions.

To learn more about FLIR’s EST thermal camera screening solutions, please visit [www.flir.com/ehs](http://www.flir.com/ehs).

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SIGA-Technologies-Inc.-logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1619:siga-technologies-announces-first-international-delivery-of-oral-tpoxx&catid=12)

##  [SIGA Technologies Announces First International Delivery of Oral TPOXX](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1619:siga-technologies-announces-first-international-delivery-of-oral-tpoxx&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 01 June 2020.

SIGA Technologies, Inc. today announced its first international delivery of TPOXX (tecovirimat), with 2,500 courses delivered to the Canadian Department of National Defence (CDND). On April 3, 2020, the Company previously announced that the CDND is expected to purchase up to 15,325 courses of oral TPOXX over four years for a total value of $14.3 million. Remaining purchases of 12,825 courses, at the option of the CDND, are expected to occur after regulatory approval of oral TPOXX by Health Canada. Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc. (“Meridian”, a Pfizer Company), SIGA’s partner for international promotion of TPOXX, is the counterparty to the Canadian Contract and SIGA is responsible for the manufacture and delivery of oral TPOXX.

In addition to the Canadian product delivery, SIGA also expects to make deliveries of oral TPOXX to the U.S. Government this month. As previously disclosed, SIGA expects to deliver $101.3 million of oral TPOXX to the U.S. Government by April 2021, with deliveries starting this month. These deliveries will be in connection with the recent option exercises under its 2018 Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) contract (“19C BARDA Contract”). In addition to the options recently exercised, SIGA’s full 19C BARDA Contract has up to $414 million of procurement-related options remaining for future exercise.

“We are pleased to be moving quickly to deliver on our new U.S. and international orders of TPOXX and we look forward to continuing to work with BARDA and CDND on future options and deliveries,” said Dr. Phil Gomez, CEO of SIGA. “We are working on the filing of our regulatory submission to Health Canada later this year and delivery of additional courses to CDND under this contract following product approval. Meridian’s ability to secure this opportunity to support smallpox preparedness in Canada is evidence of its leadership in international health security and of TPOXX’s importance for international biodefense preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance for governments around the world to quickly build robust stockpiles in order to protect the health and economic well-being of the general population from other biological threats, and we look forward to working with Meridian to address the global need for TPOXX as a critical component of robust smallpox preparedness strategies.”

Dr. Gomez added, “I would like to thank everyone at SIGA, all of whom have been working hard with our supply chain partners to ensure continued manufacturing and delivery of TPOXX during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the resiliency our U.S.-based supply chain during these difficult times.”

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/8a/LLNL-8a9208a2.png)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1618:llnl-team-helps-develop-tularemia-vaccine&catid=12)

##  [LLNL Team Helps Develop Tularemia Vaccine](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1618:llnl-team-helps-develop-tularemia-vaccine&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 01 June 2020.

Two [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory](https://www.llnl.gov/) (LLNL) researchers who have worked for more than eight years to develop a tularemia vaccine are part of a three-institution team that has been funded to bring their candidate to readiness for use.

The two biomedical scientists, Nick Fischer and Amy Rasley, will collaborate with scientists from the [University of New Mexico](https://www.unm.edu/) and the [Tulane National Primate Research Center](https://tnprc.tulane.edu/) under a five-year, $7.5 million grant from the [Defense Threat Reduction Agency](https://www.dtra.mil/) (DTRA).

Using the candidate vaccine, the LLNL scientists have demonstrated the ability of a subunit vaccine, incorporating different antigens from the *Francisella tularensis* bacteria into a single particle, to protect against high doses of this bacteria when aerosolized. *F. tularensis* is the bacteria that causes the disease tularemia, more commonly known as rabbit fever.

“This demonstration is only a first step, but it is a critical advance that researchers have been trying to achieve for more than three decades,” Rasley said.

“We had confidence that we could develop a tularemia vaccine that would work,” said Nick Fischer, “but it took eight years of hard work and multiple failures to get us where we are today.”

Kris Kulp, division leader for the Lab’s Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, said LLNL is “tremendously proud and excited” to be part of the effort to develop a vaccine that could protect soldiers and civilians from tularemia, a high-priority pathogen.

“This project leverages expertise our scientists have worked hard to perfect and highlights our ability to contribute to the Lab’s national security mission. The collaborations formed with our university partners are key to producing and testing this novel vaccine. We anticipate this project will significantly enhance our nation’s ability to protect our soldiers,” Kulp said.

The three-institution project will be led by Terry Wu, a tularemia expert, and by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNM HSC).

“This project is the culmination of almost 20 years of research funded by DTRA and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease since the terrorist attack in 2001,” Wu said. “UNM HSC researchers will work closely with collaborators at LLNL and Tulane University on pre-clinical studies required to advance the vaccine toward clinical use."

The scientists will build on a nanotechnology — called nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) — that was developed at LLNL for delivering vaccines and drugs inside the human body.

NLPs are water-soluble molecules that are 6 to 30 billionths of a meter in size and resemble HDL particles, which are associated with playing a role in regulating the human body’s good cholesterol. LLNL scientists have worked on this nanotechnology, also known as nanodisc, since 2005.

Using the NLPs as a delivery platform, the *F. tularensis* antigens can be co-delivered with an adjuvant molecule, which stimulates the immune response against the antigens. LLNL, in partnership with UNM, has identified the correct combination of antigen and adjuvant.

When co-localized on the NLP and delivered as a vaccine, the formulation was able to protect against aerosolized tularemia at levels well beyond what was expected from a subunit vaccine, Fischer said.

There have been a number of successful efforts to develop tularemia vaccines using live, attenuated strains of *F. tularensis*, but there are often risks associated with using such strains of a bacteria, Rasley said.

“The profile for subunit vaccines is significantly safer than for using live, attenuated strains,” Rasley said. “But the tradeoff for that safety is often a less effective vaccine. Our focus has been to enhance the efficacy of the subunit vaccine by inducing a protective immune response. This is where the NLP platform was instrumental in the development of our subunit vaccine because it serves as a delivery tool for the antigens.”

Lab researchers see the NLPs platform as a flexible tool that can broadly be applied to developing vaccines for different pathogens.

In October, LLNL announced that the National Institutes of Health had established a cooperative research center at Livermore under a five-year, $10.1 million grant to develop vaccines for chlamydia. The center includes researchers from two University of California campuses — Irvine and Davis.

Under the five-year DTRA grant to develop a tularemia vaccine, LLNL researchers are expected to receive $3.6 million to conduct their work.

The goals of the DTRA project are to validate the preliminary data, test the vaccine’s ability to protect in more rigorous models and optimize the production and scale-up of the vaccine formulation.

*F. tularensis* is classified as a class A high-priority pathogen and select agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a potential biothreat agent based on its extremely low infectious dose.Disease manifestations vary depending on the route of exposure. It is an infectious disease that can cause fever, skin ulcers, enlarged lymph nodes, pneumonia and throat infection with inhalational disease (pulmonary tularemia) being most severe.

In addition to Fischer and Rasley, other LLNL biomedical scientists who are part of the team working to develop a tularemia vaccine are Sean Gilmore and Sandra Peters.

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/b1/GSK-b1a94c90.png)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1617:gsk-to-produce-1-billion-doses-of-pandemic-vaccine-adjuvant-in-2021-to-support-multiple-covid-19-vaccine-collaborations&catid=12)

##  [GSK to Produce 1 Billion Doses of Pandemic Vaccine Adjuvant in 2021 to Support Multiple COVID-19 Vaccine Collaborations](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1617:gsk-to-produce-1-billion-doses-of-pandemic-vaccine-adjuvant-in-2021-to-support-multiple-covid-19-vaccine-collaborations&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 28 May 2020.

GSK today confirmed its intention to manufacture 1 billion doses of its pandemic vaccine adjuvant system, in 2021, to support the development of multiple adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

GSK today confirmed its intention to manufacture 1 billion doses of its pandemic vaccine adjuvant system, in 2021, to support the development of multiple adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidates.GSK believes that its pandemic adjuvant technology could make a significant contribution against COVID-19. As demonstrated in the last flu pandemic, GSK’s pandemic adjuvant can reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, which allows more vaccine doses to be produced, contributing to protecting more people. Additionally, an adjuvant can enhance the immune response and has been shown to create a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against infections.

GSK has prioritised its efforts towards making its pandemic adjuvant technology available to partners developing promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates that are suitable for use with an adjuvant. To date, the company has formed several collaborations, including with scientific partners in North America, Europe and China, to develop vaccines. Discussions with potential partners on further collaborations are ongoing.

Confirmation of the enhanced manufacturing capacity follows completion of a review conducted across the company’s global supply network. GSK will manufacture, fill and finish adjuvant for use in COVID-19 vaccines at sites in the UK, US, Canada and Europe.

Roger Connor, President, GSK Global Vaccines, said: “We believe that more than one vaccine will be needed to address this global pandemic and we are working with partners around the world to do so. We believe that our innovative pandemic adjuvant technology has the potential to help improve the efficacy and scale up of multiple COVID-19 vaccines. With this significant expansion in our manufacturing capacity, we can help deliver up to 1 billion doses of adjuvanted vaccines through 2021, helping protect many more people and support the global effort to fight COVID-19.

”Given the unprecedented need to develop COVID-19 vaccines, GSK has started manufacture of the adjuvant at risk. The company is in discussions with Governments and global institutions about funding for production and supply of the adjuvant.GSK is committed to making its adjuvant available through mechanisms that offer fair access for people across the world. Making the adjuvant available to the world’s poorest countries will also be a key part of these efforts, including donations, by working with governments and the global institutions that prioritise access.Overall GSK does not expect to profit from sales of its portfolio of collaborations for COVID-19 vaccines made during this pandemic phase, as profit generated will be invested in support of coronavirus related research and long-term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK’s internal investments, or with external partners.

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/01/House-of-Lords-Science-01e793d9.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1616:lords-committee-to-issue-summaries-of-covid-19-inquiry-to-aid-public-understanding-of-virus&catid=12)

##  [Lords Committee to Issue Summaries of COVID-19 Inquiry to Aid Public Understanding of Virus](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1616:lords-committee-to-issue-summaries-of-covid-19-inquiry-to-aid-public-understanding-of-virus&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 28 May 2020.

Follow-up summaries of oral evidence sessions are being produced by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee in a move aimed at providing the public with up-to-date information on the science of COVID-19.

The first summary has been published today, with notes on last week’s evidence session. It covers topics including the evolution of the virus, the movement of the virus between species, the transmission, infectiousness and spread amongst humans, as well as different mutations of the virus.

Lord Patel, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, said:

*“At a time when many are puzzled and anxious about COVID-19, these short summaries are a record of the evidence heard from experts about what is known and unknown about the developing science, which we hope will be helpful to the public”*

The first summary from the committee’s evidence session held on 19 May is available here: [COVID-19 Rapid Summary: The Virus and its Transmission](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUa1WESQWiaZ0PuX2Cc5kxoWEoZjc9ynH8H7skR8Y1BiYNoxVG6NSnyW7t7Cv2ULme5PHYZ7YX4I2VcZBGChwOcNE-2FZlwrLepRIMrwHcu5mWkjeCBXKLbAB3iXaqmZvUhh1n7c2a9FNbqkPIX-2FoQ1ul2znZ1wD1ihYEgnENmrYG4hvauzVzUX7YqY-2BpSkX7lELw-3D-3DByyX_1LyHAZHVVXJjX-2FphpLvBOT0Qxou-2FpaYZ8ZCYYgmBywKWCjO6VWcqIsjfjbl4rhzYzZ9cXqu2LLHhL-2FvBAyooAKbMxbpnPhnuHedmUMSHoNqYoVs-2B71-2FaMLR0gYaOejE7U57I8SPJQ2IQpo0tJXMezyWT6aNVDxFuAw3PS-2FgTfexwepeAvULrhORKjBBpXI-2Fb4Vm1kgN-2Fi6akFSLgK1u3qnwsDijBWRXBxhx33ouqQ1JmM0u6BfTPgQrba5jtJoCXgsTXsOCrOV5yT6f1L4FJTdt0BdAUU9FjDQt3SLL8vAyukjVhgnLFDecFCmSwolJUjS1vnSNkMZSElHrXF6pE77YUmoV7rA7w7LSmLbIQ-2BWw-3D)

The full inquiry page can be found [here](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUa1WESQWiaZ0PuX2Cc5kxoVyz-2BQWXPgI-2BE69sJs5zgNot-2Bz4JRRmNmDsgj6cWy95Tz2Z2QLjZUi-2BJWFhSabzqIg-3DJuN5_1LyHAZHVVXJjX-2FphpLvBOT0Qxou-2FpaYZ8ZCYYgmBywKWCjO6VWcqIsjfjbl4rhzYzZ9cXqu2LLHhL-2FvBAyooAKbMxbpnPhnuHedmUMSHoNqYoVs-2B71-2FaMLR0gYaOejE7U57I8SPJQ2IQpo0tJXMezyWT6aNVDxFuAw3PS-2FgTfexwepeAvULrhORKjBBpXI-2Fb4Vm1kgN-2Fi6akFSLgK1u3qjawF1kS33ZXsWa7rZB1DZh4j3PkWaXEGhktJZ-2FgmWV5MQQNA8VnAFfm-2BNhnOIVJiRNt-2FKfz7-2Fz2KU9VNpXGdCDoBYhp1uIn0LCC9STpvg051Es8T5cDo0QmWf1j0ghvCZZPF2BShq9UT49d5flZVWw-3D)

 [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/72/University_of_Manchester-727f44f0.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1615:more-than-500-scientists-in-18-countries-to-map-covid-19-effects-and-treatments-in-blood&catid=12)

##  [More than 500 scientists in 18 countries to map COVID-19 effects and treatments in blood](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1615:more-than-500-scientists-in-18-countries-to-map-covid-19-effects-and-treatments-in-blood&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 28 May 2020.

A new coalition of more than 500 scientists from around the world has been created to share data on COVID-19 gleaned from the use of mass spectrometry techniques which examine people’s blood and other biomarkers.

Announced in [The Lancet](http://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=3R8tI6UMskP74H664IdX7B3KqcPMWB5LoJT9O0vH2UdOBLpQ7pccB-IH6vUE4o99MKvVMu4GmYsi1yiCMkcLNldtRItX-K8anzjtgf9TtsiTrxulWMFdFiik7i8lu3o4svv39DsoZ5t0kDJUXCH3qsyGd3nuFsPGt8h9GT7S2K8Ga4FNhAeqeO9uRSek_e1bAmKXrkiGx0UFQu30TJX6S5o1) , and coordinated from The University of Manchester, [the COVID-19 MS Coalition](http://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=bJvlmMV4KkB70yTabA2CpchXMqxVKAcnLMPT_kTHaHo-zGoTHv8kNG-xreyY0TLa0OJAVHrIkKdDvRhEZeknSwPMT4Y6_74anyOIdW-owp1YWCNBEmvBEX6npgh8tMHLTQ2) is made up of many of the world’s leading mass spectrometry experts who will work together to look at the ways in which the novel coronavirus is present in patients’ blood and examine in detail how the virus is structured.

The aim is to refine testing approaches, stratify treatment options, determine isolation requirements and bring much needed speed into measurement aspects of novel therapeutic development programmes – for COVID-19 and future threats.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is able to measure molecules that change in a patient’s blood as the infection takes hold. It can be used to find out what they are, and how many of them there are.

These measurements provide precise and reproducible diagnostic data at the molecular level that can complement information from genomic studies.

The coalition partners are also looking for biomarkers that will determine how a given individual will respond to the virus. These allow hospital labs to predict the outcome of the disease and to target treatment accordingly. By finding the biological pathways that alter as the disease takes hold, and considering genetic risk factors, mass spectrometry will provide crucial evidence as to why people respond differently

Mass spectrometry will be also be able to help develop effective treatments by targeted studies that measure the decrease in these markers.

The researchers will also attempt to define the precise structure of the viral spike protein and other antigens. Mass spectrometry is the only method that can map the complex sugar network that coats the surface of the viral spike protein and the human receptor.

Coalition partners are working to see which parts of the virus are involved in the interaction with cells, and how this interaction allows the virus to open and drop the infective RNA into the human host. This detailed mapping of the interaction is vital in the development of vaccines, designed to be a weaker form of the virus.

Professor Perdita Barran, Director of the Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, at The University of Manchester, was inspired along with her colleague Professor Clare Mills to develop the coalition, when her labs were closed during March.

Professor Barran said: “By cooperating in this way, the scientists working in the coalition will have access to many more sources of data from around the world. We will be pooling our expertise and we believe we will be able to work much faster and have an impact on a range of priorities; from testing, to treatment and vaccination.”

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Northwestern_Uni.gif)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1614:northwestern-team-receives-grant-to-develop-virus-deactivating-mask&catid=12)

##  [Northwestern Team Receives Grant to Develop Virus-Deactivating Mask](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1614:northwestern-team-receives-grant-to-develop-virus-deactivating-mask&catid=12)

 Written by Gwyn Winfield on 27 May 2020.

Through innovation, hard work and a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, a research team led by chemistry Prof. Omar Farha will work to develop a reusable, virus-deactivating face mask for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a May 21 University release, the team plans to create a chemically modified mask out of antiviral material that will reduce the spread of the virus, protect the mask wearer, and can be used multiple times.

If successful, the innovation will ensure both individual safety and provide a remedy for the critically short supply of face masks.

The group has already created a nanomaterial that “deactivates” toxic nerve agents, including some of the most dangerous chemicals to humans, such as VX and soman (GD). In the release, Farha noted he hopes that with small manipulations, the material can be deployed as an antiviral as well.

“The goal is for the virus to disintegrate once it contacts the mask, while filtered air will pass through the mask safely,” Farha said. “As a result, these face masks have the potential to stop or slow the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus.”

Farha described metal-organic frameworks, the nanomaterial he works with, as “sophisticated bath sponges.” Just as a household sponge traps water in its holes, the material can capture toxic materials in their own programmed, ordered and functional cavities, with the only difference being that the material’s “holes” deactivate toxic chemicals.

Farha said the next step is to incorporate existing antiviral technology into the nanomaterial, utilizing that material to manufacture new masks or modify existing ones. According to the release, the project is one of many at Northwestern sponsored by a Rapid Response Research grant from the NSF.

The RAPID grant calls for immediate proposals that have the potential to address the spread of COVID-19. Several projects at Northwestern have received the grant. This list includes projects like the development of a self-sanitizing face mask, led by McCormick Prof. Jiaxing Huang; a one-step diagnostic [tool](https://dailynorthwestern.com/2020/05/18/campus/northwestern-engineering-synthetic-biologists-aim-to-create-one-step-diagnostic-test-for-covid-19/) for infectious diseases, led by McCormick Prof. Julius Lucks and UV-resistant elastic for N95 masks, led by McCormick Prof. Mark Hersam.

 [Equipment](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/equipment), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological), [R&amp;D](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/r-d)

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