March 31, 2021 Clinical Research CDC releases study showing that mRNA vaccines perform almost the same in the real world as they did in the lab. Further indications are they prevent disease and its transmission.
March 10, 2021 Allergy/Immunology New T-cell test to determine past exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is cool science but not a game changer. It may help answer why some become long-haulers after infection while others do not and it is a starting point for discovery and treatment research.
March 9, 2021 Clinical Research Interesting laboratory study on how blood type A antigens on respiratory cells’ surface may provide another way for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the body increasing infection risk. However, no clinical outcome data as this looked only at in vitro effects.
March 8, 2021 Clinical Research Way too early to draw any conclusions on latest press release about experimental oral Covid-19 treatment based on unpublished mid-study secondary endpoints for molnupiravir.
February 18, 2021 Clinical Research In vitro studies reported in NEJM show that Pfizer/Moderna vaccines were still able to neutralize variant B.1.351 from South Africa despite reduction in neutralizing antibodies. Authors’ opinion is that vaccine remains efficacious. More to follow.
February 15, 2021 Clinical Research Israeli study offers more evidence of Pfizer vaccine efficacy with 94% drop in symptomatic cases and 92% decrease in severe illness in people aged 55 and older.—- Restriction-easing plan in Ontario risks Yo-Yo effect once again.
February 9, 2021 Allergy/Immunology Unpublished, uncontrolled small study claims that experimental exosome treatment shortens recovery time to five days for patients with severe Covid-19. Further human trials required to prove it truly works.
February 3, 2021 Bioengineering Excellent review of myths of enlisting more companies to make mRNA vaccine by @DerekLowe. Bespoke machines, processes & tech, multiple supply chains, a myriad of Sci & Eng expertise & steps needed before mass production. Many pharma companies can’t do it.
January 25, 2021 Biomedical Engineering Two positive steps forward for treatment and testing of coronavirus.
January 21, 2021 Clinical Research Israeli real-world Pfizer vaccine study reports infection rates dropped by 33% in treatment group of 200K people >60 y.o vs 200K controls after 21 days, less than predicted by proponents of delaying 2nd dose. Stay on schedule until proven otherwise.