The city of Nashville is playing a key role in coronavirus vaccine development. Both Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College are involved in two Phase III clinical trials that are expected to enroll thousands of Nashvillians. Meanwhile, Nashville-based Clinical Research Associates is partnering with Pfizer and AstraZeneca on COVID-19 vaccine trials. Amid these trials, the state of Tennessee has finally started to slow the spread of the virus. Data released today from the TN Department of Health shows a reduction in infections and test positivity rates.

Here’s a rundown of other developments and stories related to the coronavirus:
  • It is now 6 a.m. on the coronavirus vaccine clock.
  • Political pressure from the Trump administration is reported to have influenced the FDA’s decision to authorize plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 and the CDC’s decision to modify its testing guidelines.
  • New data showed the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech caused fewer side effects than an earlier version.
  • Johnson & Johnson will begin a late-stage trial of its vaccine in September. This comes as the company also announced it will buy Momenta, an autoimmune disease specialist, in a $6.5B deal.