Pfizer on Wednesday announced that FDA will fast-track its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidate under the agency's priority review program, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California, Hawaii, and New York.

• California: Former Theranos president and COO Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani on Wednesday was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison, with three years of probation, after a jury in July found him guilty of 12 counts of conspiracy and fraud against investors and patients. Balwani's sentence was handed down less than three weeks after Elizabeth Holmes, former Theranos CEO,was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. Initially, prosecutors sought a 15-year prison sentence with over $800 million in restitution for Balwani. Judge Ed Davila, who sentenced both Balwani and Holmes, will determine restitution details later. (Primack, Axios, 12/7)

• Hawaii: After Gov. Josh Green (D) was sworn into office on Monday, he pledged to address homelessness and housing across the state and request assistance from the Legislature to eliminate the state's tax on food and medication. In his inaugural address, Green said he wanted to eliminate regressive taxes. "The poorest families are hit the worst, and those who are struggling to survive from paycheck to paycheck really can't afford that tax," Green said. In addition, Green said he "humbly suggested" that the mayors of each county build small "Kauhale Homes" to provide housing for homeless individuals. Green noted that the world will be watching to see how the state addresses housing, homelessness, poverty, and climate change. "But it will only happen, only happen if we truly come together and commit ourselves to putting our values of ohana and aloha into practice and making them a reality for everyone in the state of Hawaii," Green said. (McAvoy, Associated Press, 12/5)

• New York: Pfizer on Wednesday announced that FDA will fast-track its RSV vaccine candidate under the agency's priority review program. According to Pfizer, the vaccine's review period is expected to end by May 2023. If approved, Pfizer's candidate will be the first vaccine designed to prevent RSV in people 60 and older. "With no RSV vaccines currently available, older adults remain at-risk for RSV disease and potential severe outcomes, including serious respiratory symptoms, hospitalization, and in some cases, even death," said Annaliesa Anderson, head of Pfizer's vaccine research and development. (Twenter, Becker's Hospital Review, 12/7; Weixel, The Hill, 12/7)