California Jury has ordered Johnson and Johnson Company to pay 18.8 million dollars to Emory Hernandez Valadez a 24-year-old man who claimed that he developed cancer from long-term exposure to the company's talc-based baby powder. The verdict marks a significant setback for Johnson and Johnson as it grapples with thousands of similar cases over talc-related products. In US bankruptcy courts tens of thousands of people have sued Johnson and Johnson alleging that their talc products contain asbestos which is linked to cancer.

Johnson & Johnson subsidiary files for bankruptcy to settle talc-related cases

The lead negotiators for Johnson & Johnson's proposed $8.9 billion settlement of thousands of talc lawsuits faced intense questioning in US Bankruptcy court on Wednesday about how much support the company has for the deal.

Cancer plaintiffs drill down on J&J's support for $8.9 billion talc deal

In a big relief to&nbsp;pharmaceutical giant Johnson &amp;&nbsp;Johnson, a US court on Thursday halted at least 38,000 out of the 40,000 lawsuits that allege that its baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer.

US Bankruptcy Judge Michael Kaplan, however, allowed other cases to proceed with depositions and other matters as long as no trials commence, a Reuters report said. New lawsuits can also be filed against the pharmaceutical company, the judge added. &nbsp;

The halt in lawsuits will give Johnson &amp; Johnson time to get court's approval of an $8.9 billion settlement which was announced on April 3 this year, Bloomberg reported. All lawsuits have been&nbsp;consolidated in a federal district court in New Jersey.

However, the report added that the pharmaceutical company had sought complete relief from lawsuits as part of the bankruptcy case involving its subsidiary LTL Management.&nbsp;

Plaintiffs have argued that Johnson and Johnson's talc contain asbestos which causes gynecological diseases like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. However, the company has said that its talc is safe, asbestos-free and does not cause cancer.

Johnson &amp; Johnson's settlement plan

As a part of the "Texas Two step" bankruptcy law, the US pharma giant in October 2021 offloaded all lawsuits onto a new subsidiary, LTL Management, which then declared bankruptcy.&nbsp;

However, the bankruptcy filing was invalidated in January this year. The new subsidiary filed its second bankruptcy in early April in a bid to present a settlement plan by May 14.&nbsp;

Johnson and Johnson and its subsidiary have argued that bankruptcy delivers settlement payouts more "fairly, efficiently and equitably" than a “lottery” offered by trial courts, where some litigants get large awards and others nothing.

Johnson and Johnson has claimed that over 60,000 litigants support the proposed $8.9 billion settlement. But lawyers representing those opposing the billion-dollar settlement have dismissed the company's claim.&nbsp;

They have accused the pharma company of abusing the bankruptcy system, adding that a multinational conglomerate valued at more than $400 billion is in little danger of running out of money to pay cancer victims.

“We continue to believe that this bankruptcy effort is illegitimate and that stance will be affirmed through the appellate process," Reuters quoted Leigh O’Dell, one of the lead lawyers for plaintiffs,&nbsp;as saying.

In a big relief to pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, a US court on Thursday halted at least 38,000 out of the 40,000 lawsuits that allege that its baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer.

In a big relief to pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, a US court on Thursday halted at least 38,000 out of the 40,000 lawsuits that allege that its baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer. US Bankruptcy Judge Michael Kaplan, however, allowed other cases to proceed with depositions and other matters as long as no trials commence, a Reuters report said. New lawsuits can also be filed against the pharmaceutical company, the judge added. The halt in lawsuits will give Johnson & Johnson time to get court's approval of an $8.9 billion settlement which was announced on April 3 this year, Bloomberg reported. All lawsuits have been consolidated in a federal district court in New Jersey. However, the report added that the pharmaceutical company had sought complete relief from lawsuits as part of the bankruptcy case involving its subsidiary LTL Management. Plaintiffs have argued that Johnson and Johnson's talc contain asbestos which causes gynecological diseases like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. However, the company has said that its talc is safe, asbestos-free and does not cause cancer. Johnson & Johnson's settlement plan As a part of the "Texas Two step" bankruptcy law, the US pharma giant in October 2021 offloaded all lawsuits onto a new subsidiary, LTL Management, which then declared bankruptcy. However, the bankruptcy filing was invalidated in January this year. The new subsidiary filed its second bankruptcy in early April in a bid to present a settlement plan by May 14. Johnson and Johnson and its subsidiary have argued that bankruptcy delivers settlement payouts more "fairly, efficiently and equitably" than a “lottery” offered by trial courts, where some litigants get large awards and others nothing. Johnson and Johnson has claimed that over 60,000 litigants support the proposed $8.9 billion settlement. But lawyers representing those opposing the billion-dollar settlement have dismissed the company's claim. They have accused the pharma company of abusing the bankruptcy system, adding that a multinational conglomerate valued at more than $400 billion is in little danger of running out of money to pay cancer victims. “We continue to believe that this bankruptcy effort is illegitimate and that stance will be affirmed through the appellate process," Reuters quoted Leigh O’Dell, one of the lead lawyers for plaintiffs, as saying.

Johnson & Johnson gets relief as US court halts most talc lawsuits, stops trials

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country.

The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations."&nbsp;

With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety.

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Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago.

Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/small-needles-short-lines-and-few-tears-bidens-plan-to-vaccinate-young-children-422493" hreflang="en">Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children</a>

The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure.

The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults.

The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years.

''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement.

Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-people-can-get-infected-by-coronavirus-every-16-months-experts-422374">Also read |&nbsp;Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts</a>

This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines.

As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose.

The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. 
&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations." With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago. Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation. Also read | Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure. The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults. The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years. ''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement. Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots. Also read | Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines. As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose. The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US

Global healthcare major Johnson &amp; Johnson on Friday said it has applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India.

Earlier on Monday, the company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government.

"On August 5, 2021 Johnson &amp; Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson &amp; Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement.

This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added.

"Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said.

The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalisation and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added.

"We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said.

India recorded 44,643 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,18,56,757, while the active cases registered an increase for the third consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 4,26,754 with 464 fresh fatalities. PTI

Global healthcare major Johnson & Johnson on Friday said it has applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India. Earlier on Monday, the company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government.

Global healthcare major Johnson & Johnson on Friday said it has applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India. Earlier on Monday, the company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government. "On August 5, 2021 Johnson & Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement. This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added. "Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said. The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalisation and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added. "We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said. India recorded 44,643 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,18,56,757, while the active cases registered an increase for the third consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 4,26,754 with 464 fresh fatalities. PTI

Johnson & Johnson applies for vaccine authorisation in India

Europe's drug regulator has said&nbsp;the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the&nbsp;European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert.

"It seems that the four vaccines that are approved in the&nbsp;European Union are protective against all strains that are circulating in&nbsp;Europe, including the Delta variant," said Marco Cavaleri,&nbsp;European Medicines Agency's (EMA) head of vaccine strategy, during a news briefing.

The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first detected&nbsp;in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe.

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The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was "aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

"Right now it seems that the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," he said.

"Emerging data from real world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant."

Lab tests also showed that antibodies from the vaccines were able to neutralise Delta "so these are very reassuring news."

Four vaccines are currently approved for use in the EU: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson.&nbsp;

But while the EU has been stepping up its vaccination programme, the WHO warned that cases are on the rise again after two months of decline.

The WHO said the reversal came as the Delta variant was overtaking the original Alpha variant that emerged in Britain "very quickly".

The EMA's Cavaleri said the regulator urged manufacturers to keep checking that their jabs were effective against all new variants of the disease including the so-called 'Delta Plus'.

"There are a number of variants that have been emerging over the last months, and we expect more to come over," Cavaleri said.

"Now there is the so-called Delta Plus variant, which is the Delta variant with an additional mutation in the spike protein, that is also important and we need to check that as well."

(With inputs from agencies)

Europe's drug regulator has said the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert.

Europe's drug regulator has said the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert. "It seems that the four vaccines that are approved in the European Union are protective against all strains that are circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," said Marco Cavaleri, European Medicines Agency's (EMA) head of vaccine strategy, during a news briefing. The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first detected in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe. The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was "aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. "Right now it seems that the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," he said. "Emerging data from real world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant." Lab tests also showed that antibodies from the vaccines were able to neutralise Delta "so these are very reassuring news." Four vaccines are currently approved for use in the EU: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. But while the EU has been stepping up its vaccination programme, the WHO warned that cases are on the rise again after two months of decline. The WHO said the reversal came as the Delta variant was overtaking the original Alpha variant that emerged in Britain "very quickly". The EMA's Cavaleri said the regulator urged manufacturers to keep checking that their jabs were effective against all new variants of the disease including the so-called 'Delta Plus'. "There are a number of variants that have been emerging over the last months, and we expect more to come over," Cavaleri said. "Now there is the so-called Delta Plus variant, which is the Delta variant with an additional mutation in the spike protein, that is also important and we need to check that as well." (With inputs from agencies)

EU-approved vaccines effective against Delta variant in bloc, says EMA

German biotech company&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effective in the final trial,&nbsp; missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups.

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The stakes for&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders.

CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive.

As&nbsp;CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses.

The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy.

Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants.

CureVac&nbsp;said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent.&nbsp;

Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death.

In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread".

The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit.

The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine should it receive regulatory approval.

Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race,&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors.

CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers.

CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production.

These factors could possibly give&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;an edge in poorer or warmer countries.

Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even&nbsp;CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA.

The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK.

Early results on rats have been promising, it said.&nbsp;Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021.

CureVac&nbsp;was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP.

The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;for 300 million euros.

The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied.

(With inputs from agencies)

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union. The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups. The stakes for CureVac and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders. CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive. As CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses. The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy. Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants. CureVac said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent. Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death. In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread". The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit. The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the CureVac vaccine should it receive regulatory approval. Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race, CureVac believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors. CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers. CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production. These factors could possibly give CureVac an edge in poorer or warmer countries. Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA. The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK. Early results on rats have been promising, it said. Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021. CureVac was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP. The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in CureVac for 300 million euros. The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any CureVac vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany's COVID-19 vaccine CureVac disappoints in pivotal final trial, with only 48 per cent efficacy

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

The agreement allowed Johnson &amp; Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time).

For its part, in a separate statement J&amp;J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States."

The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California.

The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years.

J&amp;J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund.&nbsp;

"The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement.&nbsp;

"Johnson &amp; Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added.&nbsp;

That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson &amp; Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached.&nbsp;

The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US. The agreement allowed Johnson & Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time). For its part, in a separate statement J&J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States." The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California. The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years. J&J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund. "The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement. "Johnson & Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added. That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson & Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached. The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J to stop selling opioids in US, reaches USD 230 mn settlement

India's Biological E. will produce the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine alongside its own candidate, its managing director told Reuters on Tuesday, which could boost the country's overall supplies amid a shortage.

"The infrastructure and plants are completely separate for both the products and we will be producing both independent of each other," Mahima Datla said in a text message, declining to give any timeline or other details.

She told Reuters in February that Biological E. was looking to contract-manufacture about 600 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine annually. India's government, however, did not factor in any production of J&amp;J this year in the country in a list of likely vaccine output released last week.

J&amp;J confirmed to Reuters it was working with Biological E. on manufacturing its vaccine.

"We believe Biological E. will be an important part of our global COVID-19 vaccine supply network, where multiple manufacturing sites are involved in the production of our vaccine across different facilities, sometimes in different countries and continents, before the vaccine can be distributed," a J&amp;J India spokesperson said in an email.

J&amp;J said last month it had sought permission to conduct a local clinical trial in India for its single-dose vaccine.

Biological E., based in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, also plans to produce 75 million to 80 million doses of its own vaccine a month from August. The drug has been developed with Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Dynavax Technologies Corp.

The United States said in March it would finance Biological E.'s efforts to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that India was unlikely to resume major exports of COVID-19 vaccines until at least October as it diverts shots for domestic use, a longer-than-expected delay set to worsen supply shortages from the global COVAX initiative.

India's Biological E. will produce the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine alongside its own candidate, its managing director told Reuters on Tuesday, which could boost the country's overall supplies amid a shortage.

India's Biological E. will produce the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine alongside its own candidate, its managing director told Reuters on Tuesday, which could boost the country's overall supplies amid a shortage. "The infrastructure and plants are completely separate for both the products and we will be producing both independent of each other," Mahima Datla said in a text message, declining to give any timeline or other details. She told Reuters in February that Biological E. was looking to contract-manufacture about 600 million doses of the J&J vaccine annually. India's government, however, did not factor in any production of J&J this year in the country in a list of likely vaccine output released last week. J&J confirmed to Reuters it was working with Biological E. on manufacturing its vaccine. "We believe Biological E. will be an important part of our global COVID-19 vaccine supply network, where multiple manufacturing sites are involved in the production of our vaccine across different facilities, sometimes in different countries and continents, before the vaccine can be distributed," a J&J India spokesperson said in an email. J&J said last month it had sought permission to conduct a local clinical trial in India for its single-dose vaccine. Biological E., based in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, also plans to produce 75 million to 80 million doses of its own vaccine a month from August. The drug has been developed with Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Dynavax Technologies Corp. The United States said in March it would finance Biological E.'s efforts to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022. Reuters reported on Tuesday that India was unlikely to resume major exports of COVID-19 vaccines until at least October as it diverts shots for domestic use, a longer-than-expected delay set to worsen supply shortages from the global COVAX initiative.

India's Biological E. to produce J&J COVID-19 vaccine

The EMA found that all instances of clotting had occurred in adults under 60 years, mostly women, within three weeks of vaccination with J&J's single shot.

EU backs J&J COVID-19 vaccine despite blood clot risk

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses. Prime Ministere Justin Trudeau made a televised speech in this regard.

"To people watching at home right now who are looking forward to getting their shot - your turn is coming," he said.

He added that Pfizer had agreed to accelerate delivery of 3.5 million doses ahead of schedule by end of May. Canada has ordered more doses per capita than any other country but deliveries of vaccines to the country has been slow. With a population of almost 38 million, Canada now expects 36.5 million doses of previously approved vaccines to be delivered by the end of June.

Canada authorised Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines in December, and AstraZeneca's in February. Johnson &amp; Johnson is a single dose vaccine and it can be stored in normal fridges.

The government of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday it would extend the maximum period between first and second doses to four months, speeding up access to a first shot.

In addition to seniors and healthcare workers, Ontario now plans to prioritize shots for those who are unable to work from home, including teachers, and it aims to administer at least one dose of a vaccine to all adults over 60 by early June, officials said.

The J&amp;J shot, which has been authorized for adults in Canada, was 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease, said Supriya Sharma, a senior health ministry official.

Canada has pre-ordered 10 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine, with options to order up to 28 million more. In a statement, the Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it planned to provide the 10 million doses by the end of September.

(With agency inputs)

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses.

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses. Prime Ministere Justin Trudeau made a televised speech in this regard. "To people watching at home right now who are looking forward to getting their shot - your turn is coming," he said. He added that Pfizer had agreed to accelerate delivery of 3.5 million doses ahead of schedule by end of May. Canada has ordered more doses per capita than any other country but deliveries of vaccines to the country has been slow. With a population of almost 38 million, Canada now expects 36.5 million doses of previously approved vaccines to be delivered by the end of June. Canada authorised Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines in December, and AstraZeneca's in February. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine and it can be stored in normal fridges. The government of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday it would extend the maximum period between first and second doses to four months, speeding up access to a first shot. In addition to seniors and healthcare workers, Ontario now plans to prioritize shots for those who are unable to work from home, including teachers, and it aims to administer at least one dose of a vaccine to all adults over 60 by early June, officials said. The J&J shot, which has been authorized for adults in Canada, was 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease, said Supriya Sharma, a senior health ministry official. Canada has pre-ordered 10 million doses of the J&J vaccine, with options to order up to 28 million more. In a statement, the Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it planned to provide the 10 million doses by the end of September. (With agency inputs)

Canada approves Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine

A single-shot Covid-19 vaccine by US drugmaker Johnson and Johnson is likely to be approved for use in the European Union in early March.

The vaccine was&nbsp;cleared for emergency use in the United States on Saturday<a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-authorises-johnson-johnsons-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-fda" target="_blank">,</a>&nbsp;becoming the third available vaccine there.

The single-shot vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including against newer variants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said before giving it the green light.

An EU approval in early March would allow the vaccine to be rolled out in late March or early April. It was possible that a booster shot was needed later "but we can't be sure yet".

The EU hoped to receive 600 million doses of the vaccine by the end of June, she said.

France has so far vaccinated 1.5 million people, the minister said. By June all 15 million people belonging to the country's most vulnerable population segments will have been vaccinated, she added, acknowledging however that reaching that target might require a faster vaccine rollout.

In large clinical trials, the J&amp;J vaccine's efficacy against severe disease was 85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil.

The J&amp;J shot appears less protective than Pfizer and Moderna's two-shot regimens, which both have an efficacy of around 95 per cent against all forms of Covid-19 from the classic coronavirus strain.

A single-shot Covid-19 vaccine by US drugmaker Johnson and Johnson is likely to be approved for use in the European Union in early March. The vaccine was cleared for emergency use in the United States on Saturday, becoming the third available vaccine there.

A single-shot Covid-19 vaccine by US drugmaker Johnson and Johnson is likely to be approved for use in the European Union in early March. The vaccine was cleared for emergency use in the United States on Saturday, becoming the third available vaccine there. The single-shot vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including against newer variants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said before giving it the green light. An EU approval in early March would allow the vaccine to be rolled out in late March or early April. It was possible that a booster shot was needed later "but we can't be sure yet". The EU hoped to receive 600 million doses of the vaccine by the end of June, she said. France has so far vaccinated 1.5 million people, the minister said. By June all 15 million people belonging to the country's most vulnerable population segments will have been vaccinated, she added, acknowledging however that reaching that target might require a faster vaccine rollout. In large clinical trials, the J&J vaccine's efficacy against severe disease was 85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil. The J&J shot appears less protective than Pfizer and Moderna's two-shot regimens, which both have an efficacy of around 95 per cent against all forms of Covid-19 from the classic coronavirus strain.

EU to clear Johnson and Johnson vaccine by March

The single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including the South African and Brazil variants, new documents released by the US Food and Drug Administration have said.

In large clinical trials, the vaccine efficacy against severe disease was&nbsp;85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil.

An independent panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet to discuss its merits on Friday and an emergency use authorisation is likely to follow soon after.

That would bring a third vaccine into the fight against the outbreak in the United States, the world's hardest-hit country where more than 500,000 people have lost their lives.

"The vaccine was effective in preventing COVID-19 using a less restrictive definition of the disease and for more severe disease, including COVID-19 requiring medical intervention, considering all cases starting 14 days after vaccination," the new FDA summary said.

"Although a lower efficacy overall was observed in South Africa, where there was a predominance of B.1.3.5 lineage during the time period of this study, vaccine efficacy against severe/critical COVID-19 was similarly high across the United States, South Africa, and Brazil."

The J&amp;J vaccine uses a common-cold causing adenovirus, which has been modified so that it can't replicate, to carry the gene for a key protein of the coronavirus into human cells.&nbsp;This makes those cells produce that protein, which in turn trains the human immune system.

The fact that it requires only one dose, and that it can be stored at fridge temperature rather than in freezers like the Pfizer and Moderna shots, gives it an operational advantage.

The vaccine was effective in reducing the risk of Covid-19 and preventing PCR-test confirmed COVID-19 at least 14 days after vaccination, the FDA said in its briefing documents.

J&amp;J tested its single-dose option in 44,000 people in the US, Latin America and South Africa. Because different mutated versions of the virus are circulating in different countries, researchers analysed the results geographically.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including the South African and Brazil variants, new documents released by the US Food and Drug Administration have said.

The single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including the South African and Brazil variants, new documents released by the US Food and Drug Administration have said. In large clinical trials, the vaccine efficacy against severe disease was 85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil. An independent panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet to discuss its merits on Friday and an emergency use authorisation is likely to follow soon after. That would bring a third vaccine into the fight against the outbreak in the United States, the world's hardest-hit country where more than 500,000 people have lost their lives. "The vaccine was effective in preventing COVID-19 using a less restrictive definition of the disease and for more severe disease, including COVID-19 requiring medical intervention, considering all cases starting 14 days after vaccination," the new FDA summary said. "Although a lower efficacy overall was observed in South Africa, where there was a predominance of B.1.3.5 lineage during the time period of this study, vaccine efficacy against severe/critical COVID-19 was similarly high across the United States, South Africa, and Brazil." The J&J vaccine uses a common-cold causing adenovirus, which has been modified so that it can't replicate, to carry the gene for a key protein of the coronavirus into human cells. This makes those cells produce that protein, which in turn trains the human immune system. The fact that it requires only one dose, and that it can be stored at fridge temperature rather than in freezers like the Pfizer and Moderna shots, gives it an operational advantage. The vaccine was effective in reducing the risk of Covid-19 and preventing PCR-test confirmed COVID-19 at least 14 days after vaccination, the FDA said in its briefing documents. J&J tested its single-dose option in 44,000 people in the US, Latin America and South Africa. Because different mutated versions of the virus are circulating in different countries, researchers analysed the results geographically. (with inputs from agencies)

Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine poised for FDA decision

Johnson & Johnson submitted an application for emergency authorization for its much anticipated one-dose coronavirus vaccine.

Johnson & Johnson requests emergency authorisation for COVID-19 vaccine

Johnson &amp; Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick.

"We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the &nbsp;Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement.

The pause means the online enrollment system has been closed for the 60,000-patient clinical trial while the independent patient safety committee is convened.

The participant's illness is being reviewed and evaluated by an independent data and safety monitoring board as well as the company's clinical and safety physicians, the company added.

J&amp;J, which reports quarterly financial results on Tuesday morning, said that such pauses are normal in big trials, which can include tens of thousands of people.

However, J&amp;J's move follows a similar one by AstraZeneca Plc. In September, AstraZeneca paused late-stage trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, due to an unexplained illness in a UK study participant.

While trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India have resumed, the US trial is still on hold pending a regulatory review.

Last month, J&amp;J said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response against the novel coronavirus in an early-to-mid stage clinical trial, following which the company kicked off a final 60,000-person trial, whose results had been expected by the end of this year or early 2021.

Johnson &amp; Johnson declined to elaborate about the illness due to privacy concerns. It did say that some participants in studies get placebos, and it was not always clear whether a person suffering a serious adverse event in a clinical trial received a placebo or the treatment.

(with inputs)

Johnson & Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick. "We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement.

Johnson & Johnson has temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants became sick. "We have temporarily paused further dosing in all our Covid-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials, including the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE trial, due to an unexplained illness in a study participant," the company said in a statement. The pause means the online enrollment system has been closed for the 60,000-patient clinical trial while the independent patient safety committee is convened. The participant's illness is being reviewed and evaluated by an independent data and safety monitoring board as well as the company's clinical and safety physicians, the company added. J&J, which reports quarterly financial results on Tuesday morning, said that such pauses are normal in big trials, which can include tens of thousands of people. However, J&J's move follows a similar one by AstraZeneca Plc. In September, AstraZeneca paused late-stage trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, due to an unexplained illness in a UK study participant. While trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India have resumed, the US trial is still on hold pending a regulatory review. Last month, J&J said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response against the novel coronavirus in an early-to-mid stage clinical trial, following which the company kicked off a final 60,000-person trial, whose results had been expected by the end of this year or early 2021. Johnson & Johnson declined to elaborate about the illness due to privacy concerns. It did say that some participants in studies get placebos, and it was not always clear whether a person suffering a serious adverse event in a clinical trial received a placebo or the treatment. (with inputs)

Johnson & Johnson pauses Covid vaccine trial as participant becomes ill

Johnson & Johnson halts COVID-19 vaccine trial as participant falls ill

Johnson & Johnson said Monday it had temporarily halted its Covid-19 vaccine trial because one of its participants had become sick

Johnson & Johnson pauses Covid vaccine trial as participant falls ill

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-572-million-for-opioid-addiction-crisis-245872"> giant Johnson &amp; Johnson </a>must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men. &nbsp;

Johnson &amp; Johnson and its subsidiary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/johnson-johnson-rejects-report-by-rajasthan-government-on-presence-of-formaldehyde-in-baby-shampoo-214079">Janssen Pharmaceuticals were blamed</a> as plaintiff Nicholas Murray told the Philadelphia court that the drug Risperdal, prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had made him grow breasts.&nbsp;

The company challenged the ruling in a statement, calling the damages awarded "grossly disproportionate" with the initial award in the case of $680,000.&nbsp;

"The company is confident (the ruling) will be overturned," the statement said, and "will be immediately moving to set aside this excessive and unfounded verdict."&nbsp;

In the statement, Johnson &amp; Johnson accused the court of preventing their defence team from presenting "key evidence" on Risperdal labelling.&nbsp;

The company is facing a series of complaints in state courts for failing to properly warn of Risperdal's side effects, including in Pennsylvania, California and Missouri. &nbsp;

Risperdal, approved for the treatment of adults by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993, brought in some $737 million in sales in 2018.&nbsp;

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men.

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men. Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals were blamed as plaintiff Nicholas Murray told the Philadelphia court that the drug Risperdal, prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had made him grow breasts. The company challenged the ruling in a statement, calling the damages awarded "grossly disproportionate" with the initial award in the case of $680,000. "The company is confident (the ruling) will be overturned," the statement said, and "will be immediately moving to set aside this excessive and unfounded verdict." In the statement, Johnson & Johnson accused the court of preventing their defence team from presenting "key evidence" on Risperdal labelling. The company is facing a series of complaints in state courts for failing to properly warn of Risperdal's side effects, including in Pennsylvania, California and Missouri. Risperdal, approved for the treatment of adults by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993, brought in some $737 million in sales in 2018.

Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages over drug side effect case: US court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-north-korea-program-violates-un-resolutions-after-trump-tweet-222373">US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet</a>

The US State Department said Tuesday that&nbsp;North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newly-freed-from-prison-in-myanmar-two-reuters-journalists-accept-their-pulitzer-prize-222389">Newly freed from prison in Myanmar, two Reuters journalists accept their Pulitzer Prize</a>

Reuters journalists Wa Lone, Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues accepted their Pulitzer Prize in the International Reporting category in New York on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnsons-greed-helped-fuel-us-opioid-crisis-oklahoma-claims-at-trial-222378">Johnson &amp; Johnson's greed helped fuel US opioid crisis, Oklahoma claims at trial</a>

Johnson &amp; Johnson's greed led the drugmaker to use deceptive marketing to create an oversupply of painkillers that fuelled the US opioid epidemic, the state of Oklahoma alleged at the start of the first trial to result from lawsuits over the drug crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-opens-probe-into-sexual-favour-allegations-222376">Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations</a>

Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ready-to-talk-to-gulf-countries-amid-tension-with-us-222385">Iran ready to talk to Gulf countries amid tension with US</a>

Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet The US State Department said Tuesday that North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches.

US says North Korea program violates UN resolutions, after Trump tweet The US State Department said Tuesday that North Korea's overall program of weapons of mass destruction violated UN resolutions after President Donald Trump brushed off recent missile launches. Newly freed from prison in Myanmar, two Reuters journalists accept their Pulitzer Prize Reuters journalists Wa Lone, Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues accepted their Pulitzer Prize in the International Reporting category in New York on Tuesday. Johnson & Johnson's greed helped fuel US opioid crisis, Oklahoma claims at trial Johnson & Johnson's greed led the drugmaker to use deceptive marketing to create an oversupply of painkillers that fuelled the US opioid epidemic, the state of Oklahoma alleged at the start of the first trial to result from lawsuits over the drug crisis. Afghanistan opens probe into sexual favour allegations Afghanistan's attorney general opened an investigation Tuesday into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration are trading government positions for sexual favours. Iran ready to talk to Gulf countries amid tension with US Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

While Teva Pharmaceutical Industries agreed to pay an $85 million settlement with the state of Oklahoma before facing trial over allegations that it and other drugmakers helped fuel the U.S. opioid epidemic, the trial against Johnson & Johnson is set to begin on Tuesday (May 27).

After Teva Pharm to pay Oklahoma $85 mn to settle opioid claims; Johnson & Johnson still set for trial

Rachel Johnson glanced at her phone during her European Parliament election campaign launch and saw her Brexit-backing brother Boris, the former foreign secretary, revealing he will run for prime minister.

Despite her moment in the media spotlight being somewhat stolen, the seasoned 53-year-old journalist and one-time reality television star -- who wants to keep Britain in the EU -- appeared unfazed.

Her brother's premiership ambitions have been an open secret since he quit Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet in frustration at her Brexit strategy last July.

If bookies' frontrunner Boris becomes the next Conservative leader when May goes, he would push a more gung-ho pro-Brexit platform -- the antithesis to his sister's beliefs.

"I understand this sense of not wanting other people telling you what to do, people you haven't voted for. I get it," Rachel said about Brexit supporters.

"But I think we've been stronger in the EU and I think the EU is stronger with us in it. And for that reason, I regard this as an existential question."

The debate tearing at the Johnson family is identical to one that has soured moods in households across Britain since the island kingdom voted in 2016 to end its four decades of membership in the European project.

Boris is adamant that it marked the start of a bright and independent future. Rachel is horrified at the idea of Britain losing its European identity.

"I couldn't look back on my fifties and have my grandchildren say to me: 'Grandma, what did you do when Nigel Farage took over the country?'."

Former UKIP leader Farage's new Brexit Party is campaigning on the single issue of getting Britain out of the EU by any means and as quickly as possible.

Polls suggest his party finishing first, with nearly a third of the vote, when Britons cast their ballots on Thursday.

'Johnson in Brussels'

In contrast, Rachel's nascent pro-EU party, Change UK, is in the low single figures.

Formed by a small group of disgruntled former Labour and Conservative lawmakers trying to fill a middle ground void created by the Brexit divide, it is struggling to break through.

But Rachel's own chances in the European elections look decent.

Her party is polling strongest in the southwest England constituency where she is standing.&nbsp;

The mother-of-three has the added advantage of heading the party list.

And then there is the Johnson brand name.

She is just a year younger than Boris and topped with the same mop of blonde hair that keeps spilling into her eyes.

The two are charismatic and filled with a youthful energy that seems to draw in the people around them.

If her brother becomes prime minister and she is elected, could it set up a political rivalry with a unique diplomatic dimension?

Victory for both, some have suggested, could turn Rachel into an unlikely informal mediator between Brussels and a UK government headed by Boris in the heat of history-making Brexit talks.

"That's a great job description and I would do that job with pleasure," Rachel told AFP during a stump appearance Thursday in southwest England's Roman spa town of Bath -- her very first as a candidate in next week's European Parliament elections.

"I could be his Johnson in Brussels -- like our man in Moscow."

'We are all doomed'

Yet Change UK's broader efforts to resonate with voters have been far from smooth.

Her campaign video froze part-way through and she ended up being introduced to voters at Bath Cricket Club with an awkward silence.

Her aides tried to help out by launching a passionate round of applause. The couple of dozen elderly supporters who turned up eventually joined in.

Rachel seemed undeterred as she strolled into the room with a confident grin.

She drew natural laughs and cheers during a snappy eight-minute campaign speech -- her first -- delivered without any notes.

Its message seemed simple and honest: Change UK must keep fighting even if it gets thumped on May 23.

"If the Brexit Party does as well as the polls suggest it will do, that will confirm the government in its mission to deliver a devastating no-deal Brexit," she said.

"And then we are all doomed."

Rachel Johnson glanced at her phone during her European Parliament election campaign launch and saw her Brexit-backing brother Boris, the former foreign secretary, revealing he will run for prime minister.

Rachel Johnson glanced at her phone during her European Parliament election campaign launch and saw her Brexit-backing brother Boris, the former foreign secretary, revealing he will run for prime minister. Despite her moment in the media spotlight being somewhat stolen, the seasoned 53-year-old journalist and one-time reality television star -- who wants to keep Britain in the EU -- appeared unfazed. Her brother's premiership ambitions have been an open secret since he quit Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet in frustration at her Brexit strategy last July. If bookies' frontrunner Boris becomes the next Conservative leader when May goes, he would push a more gung-ho pro-Brexit platform -- the antithesis to his sister's beliefs. "I understand this sense of not wanting other people telling you what to do, people you haven't voted for. I get it," Rachel said about Brexit supporters. "But I think we've been stronger in the EU and I think the EU is stronger with us in it. And for that reason, I regard this as an existential question." The debate tearing at the Johnson family is identical to one that has soured moods in households across Britain since the island kingdom voted in 2016 to end its four decades of membership in the European project. Boris is adamant that it marked the start of a bright and independent future. Rachel is horrified at the idea of Britain losing its European identity. "I couldn't look back on my fifties and have my grandchildren say to me: 'Grandma, what did you do when Nigel Farage took over the country?'." Former UKIP leader Farage's new Brexit Party is campaigning on the single issue of getting Britain out of the EU by any means and as quickly as possible. Polls suggest his party finishing first, with nearly a third of the vote, when Britons cast their ballots on Thursday. 'Johnson in Brussels' In contrast, Rachel's nascent pro-EU party, Change UK, is in the low single figures. Formed by a small group of disgruntled former Labour and Conservative lawmakers trying to fill a middle ground void created by the Brexit divide, it is struggling to break through. But Rachel's own chances in the European elections look decent. Her party is polling strongest in the southwest England constituency where she is standing. The mother-of-three has the added advantage of heading the party list. And then there is the Johnson brand name. She is just a year younger than Boris and topped with the same mop of blonde hair that keeps spilling into her eyes. The two are charismatic and filled with a youthful energy that seems to draw in the people around them. If her brother becomes prime minister and she is elected, could it set up a political rivalry with a unique diplomatic dimension? Victory for both, some have suggested, could turn Rachel into an unlikely informal mediator between Brussels and a UK government headed by Boris in the heat of history-making Brexit talks. "That's a great job description and I would do that job with pleasure," Rachel told AFP during a stump appearance Thursday in southwest England's Roman spa town of Bath -- her very first as a candidate in next week's European Parliament elections. "I could be his Johnson in Brussels -- like our man in Moscow." 'We are all doomed' Yet Change UK's broader efforts to resonate with voters have been far from smooth. Her campaign video froze part-way through and she ended up being introduced to voters at Bath Cricket Club with an awkward silence. Her aides tried to help out by launching a passionate round of applause. The couple of dozen elderly supporters who turned up eventually joined in. Rachel seemed undeterred as she strolled into the room with a confident grin. She drew natural laughs and cheers during a snappy eight-minute campaign speech -- her first -- delivered without any notes. Its message seemed simple and honest: Change UK must keep fighting even if it gets thumped on May 23. "If the Brexit Party does as well as the polls suggest it will do, that will confirm the government in its mission to deliver a devastating no-deal Brexit," she said. "And then we are all doomed."