Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE said on Jan. 25 they started a clinical trial to test a new version of their vaccine specifically designed to target the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which has eluded some of the protection provided by the original two-dose vaccine regimen.
Early research suggesting that a popular non-psychoactive compound derived from marijuana might help prevent or treat COVID-19 warrants further investigation in rigorous clinical trials, researchers say.
COVID-19 Brief: Omicron Mutating, Lasting Longer and Killing Faster
BNT162b2 (Pfizer and BioNTech), Clinical Trials, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech), Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic, COVID-19 booster shots, COVID-19 shots, COVID-19 Vaccines, Covid-19 Variants, Houston, Israel, Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (J&J), Omicron (B.1.1.529) (South Africa), Plastic, R&D, Sinovac, Skin, Surfaces, Texas, Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca), Washington, World Health OrganizationTwo cases of a subvariant of the Omicron variant were identified in Washington state. Two cases were also identified in Houston.
U.S. FDA limits use of Regeneron, Lilly COVID-19 antibody treatments
Antivirals, Clinical Data, COVID-19 Antibodies, COVID-19 Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), Gilead, Monoclonal Antibodies, Omicron (B.1.1.529) (South Africa), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Remdesivir, TherapeuticsThe U.S. health regulator revised on Jan. 24 the emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 antibody treatments from Regeneron and Eli Lilly to limit their use, as the drugs are unlikely to work against the Omicron coronavirus variant.
A New York judge struck down the state’s mask mandate on Jan. 24, one week before it was due to expire, ruling the governor overstepped her authority in imposing a rule that needed to have been passed by the state legislature.
Omicron survives longer on plastic, skin than prior variants; nose swabbing found best for rapid tests
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Covid-19 antigen tests, Delta Variant (B.1.617.2; India), Eli Lilly, Japan, Laboratory Tests, Long-Term Care Facilities, Nasal Swabs, Omicron (B.1.1.529) (South Africa), Plastic, R&D, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, SkinThe Omicron variant can survive longer than earlier versions of the coronavirus on plastic surfaces and human skin, Japanese researchers found in laboratory tests. Additionally, new research shows users of rapid antigen tests to detect COVID-19 should swab their nostrils as directed by the manufacturer and not swab the throat or cheek instead.
Sinovac regimen gets strong boost from Pfizer, AstraZeneca or J&J COVID shots – study
AstraZeneca, BNT162b2 (Pfizer and BioNTech), China, Clinical Trials, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech), COVID-19 booster shots, COVID-19 Infections, COVID-19 shots, COVID-19 Vaccines, Genetics, Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (J&J), Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccines, Neutralizing Antibodies, R&D, Sinovac, The Lancet, Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca)A third booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson increases antibody levels significantly in those who have previously received two doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac shot, a study has found.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Jan. 24 that it was dangerous to assume the Omicron variant would herald the end of COVID-19’s acutest phase, exhorting nations to stay focused to beat the pandemic.
1 in 5 Americans Have had COVID-19, Veklury Approved in New Indication
BNT162b2 (Pfizer and BioNTech), Breakthrough COVID-19, CDC, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic, COVID-19 Infections, COVID-19 Vaccines, Dr. Anthony Fauci (Director), Expanded Approval, FBI, FDA/Regulatory, Kids, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Omicron (B.1.1.529) (South Africa), Remdesivir, United StatesAt least 1 in 5 Americans have been infected with COVID-19. In other news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gilead Sciences’ supplemental New Drug Application for Veklury (remdesivir) for adults and adolescents with COVID-19 who are not hospitalized but are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19, hospitalization or death.
A fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine given to people over 60 years in Israel made them three times more resistant to serious illness than thrice-vaccinated people in the same age group, Israel’s Health Ministry said on January 23.