
Economist Podcasts Trial, trial again: the race for covid-19 treatments
Mar 24, 2020
Natasha Loder, Health policy editor at The Economist, shares insights on the global race for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, highlighting the optimism surrounding repurposed drugs and innovative tracking methods through social media. Tom Gardner, Addis Ababa correspondent, reveals the turbulent situation in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, where military crackdowns are causing widespread fear and violence. The discussion also touches on how public data can aid in health tracking while maintaining user privacy, showcasing the complexities of navigating a pandemic and political unrest.
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Novel Virus, No Existing Defenses
- The world isn't prepared for COVID-19 because it's a novel virus.
- There are no pre-existing drugs or vaccines designed to fight it.
Drug Trials Prioritized, Existing Drugs Repurposed
- Drug trials are being prioritized for speed.
- Existing drugs are being repurposed, offering a faster timeline than new drug development.
Repurposing Drugs: Faster and Safer
- Repurposing existing drugs shortens development timelines.
- Years of safety data and prior trials offer an advantage.


