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As the nation gears up for a massive vaccination effort, the Trump administration is doubling down on a novel, unproven injection device by providing more than half a billion dollars in government financing for something still awaiting Food and Drug Administration approval. Later Thursday, the U.S. International Development Finance Corp, or DFC, is expected to announce it has extended a $590 million loan to ApiJect Systems America, NPR has learned. The Connecticut company makes a disposable injection device that it says can be mass-produced to deliver vaccines and medications around the world. (Temple-Raston, 11/19)

Pre-filled syringe maker ApiJect Systems Corp said on Thursday it has been approved by the U.S. government for a $590-million loan to make single-dose injectors that are capable of delivering nearly all leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The loan is part of the Trump administration’s initiatives to bolster the country’s ability to produce drugs and pharmaceutical raw materials. (11/19)

A South Carolina pharmaceutical company will play a huge role in getting a COVID-19 vaccine to the American people. Columbia-based Ritedose Corporation announced Thursday it’s been named a partner in Operation Warp Speed and will be responsible for filling and packaging millions of vaccines. (Coleburn, 11/19)

Many companies in central North Carolina are already on the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Now another facility is being built in Research Triangle Park. Pre-filled syringe maker ApiJect Systems Corp. announced that it will be building a 'gigafactory' that will assist in the distribution of vaccines -- including the highly-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine. (11/19)