What We're Reading: AMAF Launches LGBTQ Program; FDA Issues Guidance on Gene Therapy; 110 Possible Coronavirus Cases in US

AMA Foundation Launches Plan Addressing LGBTQ Health Disparities

The American Medical Association Foundation (AMAF) today announced a plan to create a commission of LGBTQ health specialists through the AMA Foundation LGBTQ Fellowship Program, a national fellowship program to promote best practices and shared outcomes, according to an AMAF press release. John D. Evans, a business executive and philanthropist, will serve as chairman of the AMA Foundation Fellowship Commission for LGBTQ Health, which will appoint 13 to 15 LGBTQ thought leaders, educational specialists, physicians, and philanthropists to guide the fellowship program to ensure that the health needs of the LGBTQ community are optimally considered. At present, policies still permit denial of services to LGBTQ people. Evans previously served on the board of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

FDA Issues Guidances Supporting Development of Gene Therapy Products

The FDA announced the release of 6 final guidances today on gene therapy manufacturing and clinical development of products, as well as a draft guidance, Interpreting Sameness of Gene Therapy Products Under the Orphan Drug Regulations, acccording to an FDA press release. These documents provide the FDA’s recommendations to assist product developers in shaping the modern structure for the development and manufacture of gene therapies, with additional input from stakeholders. The agency wants to ensure gene therapies are both effective and safe.

CDC Announces 110 People Under Investigation for Coronavirus

Yesterday, the CDC announced that approximately 110 people from 26 states are under investigation for possible cases of the coronavirus from Wuhan, China, according to Politico. There have been 5 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States so far, and more than 2000 confirmed cases worldwide. The CDC raised its travel precautions for China to its highest of 3 levels, in which travelers are advised against nonessential travel to the country. Screenings will purportedly soon expand at the 20 US airports that receive 90% of airline passengers from China, according to The Washington Post.