There is now more clarity on the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, as serum antibodies produced by three doses of the Pfizer Inc.-Biontech SE COVID-19 vaccine have been shown to neutralize it. The data arrived a day after Glaxosmithkline plc and Vir Biotechnology Inc. said the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab retains activity against key mutations of the Omicron variant, including those found in sotrovimab’s binding site.
Due to COVID-19, diagnostics are in the limelight, and public and private investors are watching how the pandemic may impact the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market in the future. As the sector receives an influx of investment, companies will be in strong positions to expand their portfolios. So, with 2022 around the corner – what are the investment trends to watch?
Regulatory snapshots, including global submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Amra Medical, Audere, Cosara, Foldax, Linus Biotechnology, Medtronic.
Although Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate, Paxlovid (PF-07321332; ritonavir), has yet to be authorized anywhere, the push for compulsory licensing of the drug has begun.
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp.'s Medicago Inc. plans to "imminently" seek Health Canada approval for its plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, MT-2766, after top-line phase III results showed an overall vaccine efficacy rate of 71% against all variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Regulatory snapshots, including global drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Cyprium, Enlivex, Gan & Lee, Octapharma, Roche, Sentynl, Theratechnologies, Vincerx.
LONDON – New research shows the extent to which an individual’s immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is affected by which variants they are initially exposed to, a finding that has consequences for attempts to update vaccines against emerging variants of concern.