Many scientists and physicians believe that convalescent plasma might provide some benefit but is far from a breakthrough. The issuance of an emergency authorization would make it easier to get in some settings. The president’s political advisers believe that having a vaccine by Election Day is key to his prospects for winning. Whether the FDA should give plasma emergency authorization — a temporary approval granted during a public health emergency that requires much less rigorous evidence than a full approval — follows weeks of discussion. But on Wednesday, he claimed the FDA was delaying authorizing convalescent plasma until after Nov. 3 for political reasons.

Source: Washington Post August 23, 2020 18:07 UTC