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Max Nisen
For Max Nisen's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 29, 2021
Liars may get COVID-19 boosters before those in need
Who will get the booster shots? Sadly, the answer is too many of the wrong people and too few of the right ones, adding more messiness to the rollout process.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 13, 2021
A more infectious COVID-19 needs a quicker test
The now-dominant COVID-19 delta variant spreads so quickly that every missed opportunity to catch an infectious person can lead to many more new cases.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 12, 2021
Can Moderna buy its way into the $200 billion club?
Moderna's COVID-19 windfall sees its market valuation surged by more than $100 billion since May.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 26, 2021
London’s delta surge should jolt New York
A big question is whether New York, another large city that has reopened after having been through the COVID-19 wringer in 2020, will face a similar resurgence of cases like London.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 19, 2021
Latest U.S. Alzheimer's drug fix is a patch job
Most of the FDA's decisions don't receive national attention, which means they may not be rectified until substantial harm is done.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 19, 2021
A vaccine the world badly needs looks better than ever
The vaccine is also more stable and easily stored than mRNA vaccines, which will be helpful in broad distribution.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 21, 2020
Why Moderna’s vaccine win is a giant leap against pandemics
Alongside recent results from Pfizer, the news that a vaccine is proving effective is a great step forward.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 27, 2020
COVID-19 tests are the real pandemic moneymakers
Renewed outbreaks highlight the need for a better approach to containing the virus, and broad surveillance testing offers a way forward that's easy on the economy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 11, 2020
Traders are getting smarter about the vaccine race
Investors watching the COVID-19 vaccine development process could be forgiven for thinking it's not so hard. The effort has moved extraordinarily quickly so far, and with few hiccups.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 9, 2020
Vaccine politics demand more from big pharma
The FDA usually wants high standards while drugmakers push boundaries. But political pressure and public unease over a rushed process has forced a role reversal.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 26, 2020
Pharma rivals are fighting COVID-19 together — Why stop there?
Pandemics make for strange bedfellows.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 3, 2020
Don’t only bet on fast vaccines, root for COVID-19 treatments
Everything would have to go right to get a vaccine this year, but several types of treatments may be able to help patients in a matter of months.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 19, 2020
Vaccine developers need to take their time
Positive study results have arrived quickly, but the next steps will be slower.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 4, 2020
Operation Warp Speed needs to waste money on vaccines
Most candidates won't work, but it's essential to be ready to mass-produce the one that does.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World / ANALYSIS
Jan 24, 2020
Despite need for new vaccines, pandemics not a priority for drugmakers
Drugmakers have made significant scientific advances in recent years. Unfortunately, their ability to combat potential pandemics isn't included among them.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores