Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MS, MPH, the Michael and Lori Milken Dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) at the George Washington University, is among a group of prominent scientists who have joined together to offer non-partisan proposals that would allow the U.S. to rapidly produce safe and effective COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The 12-person group, called “Scientists to Stop COVID-19,” includes esteemed researchers, physicians and Nobel Prize winners from across the country.
The collective of citizen scientists have reviewed the body of emerging COVID-19-related research and sifted through studies to determine the best options. The group compiled a 17-page advisory report for policymakers that highlight four proposals to fight the novel coronavirus, including suggestions for how to restart the economy in a safe manner.
The four evidence-based proposals describe: 1) How to repurpose an antiviral drug to treat COVID-19 patients; 2) How to expedite the development of human antibody drugs to treat patients and to provide short-term protection for those who are healthy; 3) How to develop COVID-19 vaccines quickly; and 4) How to reopen our businesses and schools in a safe way to reduce future outbreaks and additional loss of life.
“It is critical that approaches to drugs, vaccines, and reopening our society must be pursued and supported simultaneously,” said Goldman and the other leading scientists who authored the report. “To defeat this novel coronavirus in the United States and around the world, will require a massive and well-organized collaborative effort from government, industry, philanthropy, and citizens. It is vital that we establish these partnerships and take actions immediately.”
The full advisory report can be read here.