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Moderna Sues Pfizer And BioNTech Over Vaccine Patent

moderna pfizer

Pharmaceutical company Moderna launched a suit against Pfizer and its partner BioNTech on Friday. The lawsuit alleges that the rival drug firms misused Moderna’s technology to develop their own coronavirus vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer are the companies that helped curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, developing their shots in record time.

Moderna’s Chief Legal Officer Shannon Thyme Klinger issued a statement on the suit.

A nurse is injected with the Pfizer/BioTech COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. (Photo by Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

 

“We believe that Pfizer and BioNTech unlawfully copied Moderna’s inventions and they have continued to use them without permission,” Klinger said. The company filed its suits in U.S District Court in Massachusetts as well as BioNTech’s home country Germany.

The legal battle marks a turning point in the competition between Pfizer, a pharma giant, and biotech startup Moderna. Moderna had never sold a product before receiving FDA emergency authorization for its coronavirus vaccine in 2020.

Patent lawsuits are common in the biotech industry. Most usually play out over a span of years before winding up in appeals courts. It could be up to five years before the dispute between the two companies is resolved.

Pfizer responds to Moderna’s lawsuit

Pfizer said Friday that it had not fully reviewed the suit, but are determined to defend against the allegations.

“We are surprised by the litigation given the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was based on BioNTech’s proprietary mRNA technology and developed by both BioNtech and Pfizer,” the drug giant said in an email. Pfizer also said that they will “vigorously defend against the allegations of the lawsuit.”

The two companies have made billions in vaccine sales. However, Moderna has said it isn’t seeking to halt the sale of Pfizer’s vaccine, recognizing its necessity in saving lives from coronavirus. The outcome of the suit could prove to be relevant to future use of the mRNA technology. The platform holds potential for future vaccines against diseases such as influenza and HIV.

Written by Olan Bryant

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DJ Kay Slay Recovering Following Complications With Covid-19

Wack 100’s manager, DJ Kay Slay has been hospitalized due to complications with Covid. In a heartfelt plea on Wednesday(Jan, 5) via Instagram, Wack 100 expressed the need for prayer.

Pray for my brotha @djkayslay It’s not looking good. He might be mad at me for this those that know Slay but he needs all the support he can get … Been 14 days fighting Covid and he’s just be put on a ventilator . Keep him in your prayers Please

Slay’s brother has since provided an update for his condition. He has now been removed from the ventilator and is breathing on his own.  

Many did not take well to the way Wack broke the news to the public. Him stating, “He might be mad at me,” insinuated that it was a private matter. The news that DJ Kay Slay had been battling Covid-19 since December probed the urgency for prayer.  However, Kay Slay’s biological brother, Kwame Grayson, spoke exclusively with  HipHopDX, and says the 55-year-old is on his way to a full recovery.

“He’s definitely not going to die,” Grayson tells DX. That right there…I’m not going to lie, I was jumping around. I was definitely happy. Kay Slay is a private dude and he didn’t tell anybody in the hospital who he was, and we was kinda getting average treatment. When they found out who he was, that’s when everybody stepped up treatment.”

He also shared that although Kay Slay was indeed slipping away, he has made a tremendous recovery. This is due to the fact the hospital staff amped up the treatment after following the discovery of who he was, according to Grayson.

The legendary DJ Kay Slay

Born Keith Grayson, DJ Kay Slay has pioneered his career by refereeing some of the most talked-about MC battles of the early 2000s. Notably Jay-Z versus Nas and 50 Cent versus Ja Rule. His Streetsweeper mixtape series is highly credited and with the follow-on of his Hot 97 radio show, The Drama Hour, his pungent personality made him the one to seek. Known for his underground success he solidified mainstream fame and continued issuing albums and mixtapes into the 2020s. With featured guest appearances by Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, and hundreds of others, Slay was the wave.

Meanwhile, DJ Kay Slay has been busy. Just two days ago, his Instagram handle alerted music lovers of his new release. “In My Soul” is an inspirational track that features Papoose, AZ, and Tre Williams. Check out the video below.

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Written by Antoinette Ford

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Colin Powell Passes Away At 84 Due To Complications From Covid-19

Colin Powell

Colin Powell, the four-star General of the U.S. Army and first black secretary of state passed away at the age of 84. The former secretary of state battled Covid-19 and succumbed to complications from the virus.

“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the Powell family wrote on Facebook.

Powell’s family mentioned that he was fully vaccinated. There is no clarification on whether Powell received a booster dose of the vaccine.

General Colin Luther Powell

Colin Luther Powell was born on Apr. 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York, to Jamaican immigrants. Powell attended school at the City College of New York and participated in ROTC. He was awarded the top rank of cadet Colonel.

“I liked the structure and the discipline of the military,” Powell said. “I felt somewhat distinctive wearing a uniform. I hadn’t been distinctive in much else.”

Powell is widely known for his leadership in several Republican administrations. Prior to his political endeavors, he helped guide the U.S. military to victory in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. During this campaign, he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff–the youngest and noted first black man to hold the position.

Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Has Died | Military.com
Gen. Colin Powell (1991), chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington.(AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander)

In 2001, he served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. During this time, Iraq invaded the United States. In particular, these administrations helped shape American foreign policy in the latter years of the 20th century and into 21st.

Condolences to an American leader

Powell was known for his encouraging but stern nature. He encompassed a slew of knowledge and experience in his political views. As a Black American leader, he has been a pillar of change in a movement forward and famously said:

“Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.”

Ultimately, President George W. Bush provided a statement for immediate release following the news of Powell’s passing.

Powell is survived by his wife, Alma J. Powell, 83, and their three children.

Follow us for more on Covid-19 protocol updates.

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Michael Jordan Stands By NBA Vaccine Policy

Michael Jordan

The legendary Michael Jordan has spoken out about the NBA’s vaccine policy. Jordan supports the movement and encourages players to take steps to stay healthy. While the League still has not taken the vaccine mandate, many players are unvaccinated and distrust the idea.

The spread of misinformation regarding the Covid-19 vaccine has made many have doubts about getting vaccinated. Most NBA players are vaccinated, but others oppose the idea of it. Kyrie Irving is one of the players that refuse to get the vaccine. As a result, he will miss games because he does not want to follow the NBA protocols regarding Covid-19. The League has not mandated athletes to take the vaccine, but the officials and staff members must bear it.

 Jordan’s Support for Vaccine Plan

Furthermore, many players are in a position that forces them to voice their opinions to the public because they are well known. Some do not like the idea and do not want to advocate for the rest of the world. So they keep their status private. An example of this is LeBron James; he does not want to assist people. The reason behind this is because he wants them to make their own choices and see it as a private matter.

Meanwhile, superstar Jordan has spoken out about the protocol that is taking place for players to play basketball. He believes it is crucial to keep the players safe and to stay healthy. In an interview with Today, Jordan said,

“Whoever stays healthy whoever can battle the Covid-19 issues that they may have in the course of the years it is going to give the team the best chance. Staying healthy is our biggest goal for us.”

The Charlotte Hornets owner advocates for players to get vaccinated and take part in helping family clinics in his home country. According to Rob Schaefer, “The day after the race, Novant Health and Jordan jointly announced a $10 million donation made by the former Bulls star to open two medical clinics in New Hanover County, N.C., which contains Jordan’s hometown of Wilmington.” Jordan is a man that likes to help people in need. We see it through his work and by the donations he makes to his clinics for Covid-19 vaccinations.

 

 

For more news regarding Michael Jordan, check our website. 

By Amandine Shadia, Twitter @AmandineShadia

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Newark, NJ to Host 24 Hrs Of Peace and The ‘First-Ever Peace Week’

On September 3-4th, Newark, NJ, is hosting the 24 Hrs Of Peace music festival. Performing artists include KRS-One, PnB Rock, Freeway, Beanie Sigel, and many more.

The festival is a part of Newark Peace Week. Announced by Mayor Ras J. Baraka on August 26th, ‘first-ever Peace Week’ is taking place from August 30th to September 6th.  The kickoff of the event is virtual, while the rest is to happen in real life.

“Real-life” events include Health and Wellness Wednesday, Resource Fair, 2-days of 24 Hours of Peace, and A Day of Remembrance.

The city of Newark is sponsoring and advertising the event in hopes to “unite Newark residents and promote peace.” City Mayor stated that “Creating a more peaceful City of Newark is about providing our residents with hope, empowerment, positive choices and alternatives to crime and violence.”  “Peace Week will bring our diverse community together in unity,” said Mayor Baraka.

“Our goal is to educate the community on the true meaning of peace. Peace stands for Proper Education Always Corrects Errors. This is our guiding principle not only during Peace Week, but we want our residents to always know that peace is a choice and a lifestyle,” said Lakeesha Eure, Director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery.

24 Hours Of Peace is celebrating its 10-year old anniversary this year.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases have been rising in the area, where the festival is to be held. Two months ago, around eight people were getting infected on the weekly average vs a hundred and thirty-six this week. Three days ago, the Newark city council considered restricting private gatherings. Licking Valley High School in Newark area went remote too.

Where to Search 24 Hrs Of Peace

The line-up and foremost information about the event are available on AllHipHop Instagram. They are also partly sponsoring the festival. The caption in their post on Instagram reads, “This weekend will be amazing, as the @cityofnewarknj celebrates another #24hoursofpeace with @jadakiss @teacha_krsone @bennyboom @pnbrock @djmistercee @phillyfreeway @beaniesigelsp @rasjbaraka @hakimgreen and more. We’re gonna be in the house for a weekend of fun.

 

Newark, NJ to Host 24 Hrs Of Peace and The 'First-Ever Peace Week'
Newark’s ‘Four Corners,’ the Location of the Festival/Wikipedia

On Instagram, Hakim wrote, “BACK TOGETHER AGAIN with THE GREAT CITY OF NEWARK NJ led by #ourmayor come out and celebrate #24hrsofpeace.” Hakim added, “LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, THE BLASTMASTER, KRS ONE and many others who have dedicated their life to  meet us on FRIDAY 6 pm and hang out with us at THE INTERSECTION OF BROAD AND MARKET!!”

Other sponsors and hosts of the community-building event also include the Office of Violence Prevention, Brick City Peace Collective, and DJ Lilman.

“School is back in session it’s time to focus and go hard. Surround yourself with positive energy and wear ya mask,” says DJ Lilman, one of the sponsors and performer for the “24 Hrs of Peace” showcase. “We love you guys here in the city more importantly I love you guys.”

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Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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FM News

Drake reveals bout with Covid-19 wreaked Havoc on his hairline

Throughout the summer, Drake has evaded one key question: Where is his long-awaited new album “Certified Lover Boy”? It turns out the Toronto rapper’s recording process ran into a bump when he was infected with COVID-19. Drake revealed his diagnosis in a comment on an Instagram fan account called @drizzy drake vids on Monday, August 16.

The page uploaded a photo from Drake’s original Instagram Story of him in the studio, his hairline looking faded, with only half the iconic heart shaved into it. “That heart is stressed,” the post commented. The “Laugh Now, Cry Later” rapper replied to the fan page’s post. “I had Covid that s–t grew in weird,” he said. “I had to start again.”

“Don’t diss it, it’s coming back,” he warned.

Drake didn’t reveal exactly when he contracted COVID-19. He became, however, one of the first celebrities go public about his test for the virus after hanging out with NBA star Kevin Durant in March 2020, right after Durant announced his diagnosis of the illness. “Yeah, I had to perform a test, but it came back negative,” he said in a video recorded by TMZ at the time. “That test is uncomfortable though. They stick that Q-tip all the way up inside your thoughts and s–t.”

Drake has yet to reveal a firm release date for Certified Lover Boy

Fans had expected the release of Drake’s new album in January, but “Certified Lover Boy” faced a postponement when the rapper underwent knee surgery in the fall of 2020. Drake revealed then on his Instagram Story that he had to postpone it. “I was planning to release my album this month but between surgery and rehab my energy has been dedicated to recovery,” he wrote in a post later picked up by Revolt. “I’m blessed to be back on my feet and feeling great and focused on the album, but CLB won’t be dropping in January.”

While fans can rest easily knowing the album is coming soon, they’re eagerly waiting for Drake to reveal the final release date.

Written by John Galietta

Twitter: @jgalietta17

Instagram: @jgalietta17