Linda Johnson

AP Business Writer
More from Linda Johnson
In this Dec. 29, 2020, file photo, Pat Moore, with the Chester County, Pa., Health Department, fills a syringe with Moderna COVID-19 vaccine before administering it to emergency medical workers and health care personnel at the Chester County Government Services Center in West Chester, Pa. The Biden administration’s call to lift patent protections on COVID-19 vaccines to help poor parts of the world get more doses has drawn praise from some countries and health advocates. But it has run into resistance from the pharmaceutical industry and others, who say that it won’t help curb the outbreak any time soon and will hurt future innovation.
Why Patents on COVID Vaccines Are So Contentious
The pharmaceutical industry says it won’t help curb the outbreak any time soon and will hurt innovation.
May 7th, 2021
In this Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019 file photo, Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer, prepares to testify before the Senate Finance Committee hearing on drug prices, on Capitol Hill in Washington. On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, Bourla wrote to Pfizer employees that he's “disappointed” the timing for a vaccine to be available was politicized during Tuesday night’s presidential debate, saying the company won’t succumb to political pressure.
Pfizer CEO Pushes Back on Vaccine Timing
He's disappointed that the company's work is being politicized and reassured staff that he won’t bend to pressure to move more quickly.
Oct 2nd, 2020
This Oct. 21, 2019, photo shows Johnson's Baby Aloe & Vitamin E Powder in Salt Lake City. Johnson & Johnson reports financial results Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Johnson & Johnson is ending production of its iconic talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder, which has been embroiled in thousands of lawsuits claiming it caused cancer. The world’s biggest maker of health care products said Tuesday, May 19, 2020 that the discontinuation only affects the U.S. and Canada, where demand has been declining.
J&J to Stop Selling Talc-Based Baby Powder in US
The company says the decline in demand for these products in North America has been "fueled by misinformation."
May 19th, 2020
This photo provided by Novo Nordisk Inc. shows its Tresiba brand insulin. On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, Novo Nordisk announced a new program offering free insulin for at least three months months for diabetes patients who have lost their insurance amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insulin Makers Offer Drug Free, or Cheap
All top three insulin makers are now offering programs to help patients.
Apr 15th, 2020
This Oct. 21, 2019, photo shows Johnson's Baby Aloe & Vitamin E Powder in Salt Lake City. Johnson & Johnson reports financial results Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
J&J Races to Develop Vaccine
The company also slashed its 2020 sales forecast by billions of dollars.
Apr 14th, 2020
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office shows a phony coronavirus cure that a British man tried to smuggle into the United States. Con artists are finding lots of marks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Watchdog groups and authorities report a surge of complaints about scams targeting people who fear catching the virus or need money due to lost income.
COVID-19 Cure Cons Run Rampant
Americans filed complaints about losses to coronavirus-related fraud totaling nearly $6 million.
Apr 8th, 2020
In this July 8, 2016, file photo, a pharmacist holds a package of EpiPens epinephrine auto-injector, a Mylan product, in Sacramento, Calif. On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the public about malfunctions involving some EpiPens, the emergency injectors for severe allergic reactions.
Malfunctioning EpiPens Could Harm Patients
The malfunctions can prevent or delay the devices from injecting the drug or cause them to eject it prematurely.
Mar 25th, 2020
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Hospitals Fear Ventilator Shortages
Up to 960,000 coronavirus patients in the U.S. may need ventilators. The nation has 200,000.
Mar 18th, 2020
This Aug. 2, 2018, file photo shows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration building behind FDA logos at a bus stop on the agency's campus in Silver Spring, Md.
US Warns Over Fraudulent Coronavirus Claims
The companies are selling soaps, sprays and other concoctions with false claims that they can treat the new coronavirus or keep people from catching it.
Mar 10th, 2020
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FDA Says Drug Shortage Tied to Virus Outbreak
They declined to identify the manufacturer or the product.
Mar 2nd, 2020
This undated image provided by Eisai in August 2018 shows the company's Belviq medication.
Weight Loss Drug Pulled Over Cancer Risk
Despite the FDA's ruling, the manufacturer feels the drug’s benefits outweigh any risks.
Feb 14th, 2020
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Chinese Scientists Ask for Patent on US Drug
The country has the right under WTO rules to declare an emergency and compel a company to license a patent to protect the public.
Feb 6th, 2020