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Ervedo: First FDA-approved vaccine for Ebola prevention 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Ervebo, the first FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD), caused by Zaire ebolavirus in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing the world’s second largest EVD outbreak. “Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often deadly disease that knows no borders. Vaccination is essential to help prevent outbreaks and to stop the Ebola virus from spreading when outbreaks do occur,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Detailed information on the approval can be found on the FDA website.

Wound care: EWMA & SFFPC join forces

The annual conference EWMA, from the European Wound Management Association, will have a new partner for the 2021 edition: As announced by the EWMA, the event - the largest of the specialty in Europe - will be in cooperation with the French Wound Healing Society (SFFPC). More information on the joint EWMA & Journées Cicatrisations Conference can be found on the EWMA website.

Gaps in access to radiotherapy remain throughout Europe

Despite its impressive impact on clinical outcomes, there remains a large gap between how radiotherapy is currently being used and its most effective deployment. This means many patients are failing to benefit fully from optimal treatment. In addition, these gaps are being exacerbated by shortages of high-quality equipment. This is key finding of the 1st edition of the COCIR Radiotherapy Age Profile and Density. The report arises from a 2018 COCIR initiative proposing specific recommendations - the 'Golden Rules' - designed to help evaluate of the radiotherapy installed base and assist with procurement planning. These recommendations balance the benefits of innovation against the obligation to derive maximum value from capital investment.