The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted expedited approval of an innovative antiviral for treating non-hospitalized adult and adolescent patients who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19.
On January 21, 2022, the FDA issued a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Veklury® (remdesivir). This nucleotide analog has been the antiviral standard of care for treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Antiviral Approved for Treating Non-Hospitalized Adults and Children at High Risk for COVID-19 Disease Progression
First Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Offer Reduced Protection Against Omicron
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks co-chaired a meeting with international regulators who published a report on January 21, 2022, highlighting their discussions on the effectiveness of current vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus Omicron variant.
Upon reviewing data on the impact of Omicron, the meeting participants concluded that current vaccines offer less protection against infection and mild disease caused by this coronavirus variant.
Vaccination, Previous Infection Protect Against COVID-19
During period of delta predominance, protection was lower among vaccinated persons without previous COVID-19 diagnosis
Pandemic Having Major Impact on Pediatric Oncology Providers
51 percent of institutions cite decreased clinical staff availability; HCPs experiencing psychological distress, financial concerns
FDA May Limit Use of Two COVID-19 Antibody Treatments
Treatments made by Regeneron and Eli Lilly performed well against earlier variants, but not against omicron
England to Lift Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Visitors
Mask mandates to be lifted this week, as England relies on vaccinations and testing to keep the virus in check