When even science must stop

Here's the latest news: Trump backs away from New York quarantine  Cruise ship passengers plead for rescue U.S. oil drillers asked to curb  output as demand plummets Our take on the latest developments As the search for a Covid-19 treatment or vaccine gets supercharged, work on new drugs for other diseases is falling behind. One recent example: Eli Lilly & Co. said last week it was postponing new drug research and putting most ongoing clinical trials on hold. The trend is widespread: Of nearly 100 drug manufacturers surveyed by industry group BIO and trade publication BioCentury, 86% said the outbreak had affected their ability to do trials and 78% said the same for beginning new research. The novel coronavirus has disrupted everything from the stock market to the pace of daily life. It was only a matter of time before drug development got uprooted. The logistics of clinical trials are tricky in normal times. People have to get to research sites that may be far from their homes, take sometimes-extensive time off work, and manage issues like childcare. That all gets even more complicated when there's a prescription for social distancing. For one, patients who don't have Covid-19 have concerns about exposure. Then there's the fact that health-care facilities must focus on Covid-19 patients. "Clinical trials may be the slowest part of the health-care economy to get back on track, because the infrastructure for clinical trials requires nurses, physicians, hospitals, hospital beds, equipment," says Peter Pitts, co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and former FDA associate commissioner for external relations. "The resources required to run clinical trials are being re-purposed for Covid-19." Research for some life-threatening conditions may continue. In cancer, for instance, time is of the essence and patients are willing to take a chance, says Ross McKinney, Jr., a physician and chief scientific officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges. But it's all about trade-offs. Some drugmakers have been able to benefit from getting involved in the race to find antiviral treatments and vaccines. At the same time, billions of dollars and millions of lives are riding on the success of nascent therapies for Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and other vexing diseases. How long can they be put on hold?—Emma Court and Riley Griffin Get smart Take our test: How much do you know about the coronavirus? Can you get it from your dog? Will warm weather kill the virus? Distinguishing internet rumors from reality. Map the outbreak around the world, and track Covid-19's spread in the U.S. Sponsored Content by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association One in five Americans living in rural areas lacks consistent access to the healthcare they need. See how Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are using their local roots to fill the rural health care gap.   What you should read Europe Carnage Leads to Hunt for Answers Spain reports deadliest day; U.K. ponders a longer lockdown. Gilead Expands Emergency Access to Its Drug The drugmaker switches to "expanded access" from "compassionate use." In Singapore, Quarantine in Luxury Hotels Some isolation comes with sea view and room service. Rhode Island Is on the Hunt for New Yorkers Efforts spring up in U.S. to stop travel from viral hot spots. Virus Erupts in Vulnerable U.S. Cities The rate of spread is three times national average in Michigan. Know someone else who would like this newsletter?  Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news?  Get in touch. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg's Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022