COVID-19

In laboratory molecular tests, scientists mix samples with assay reagents in a highly controlled process, but because the reaction conditions are tightly controlled, the tests are both sensitive and selective, according to the researchers.

Tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab is one of the only 2 antibody therapies issued emergency use authorization by the FDA that showed neutralizing activity against omicron and all other variants of concern.

The results of an analysis from investigators from Baylor College of Medicine suggest that supplementation with GlyNAC might be beneficial to those who have the virus.

The study analyzed blood samples taken from individuals infected with COVID-19, those who had been vaccinated with a 2-dose schedule and a third booster dose, and those who had reported previous infection from other COVID-19 variants of concern.

The existing EUA was also amended to reduce the time for booster dose administration from a minimum of 6 months to at least 5 months following completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series.

The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 at-home test (Roche) and a rapid COVID-19 antigen self-test (Clinitest; Siemens Healthineers).

Individuals receiving the therapy had an 87% reduction in risk for the composite primary endpoint of virus-related hospitalization or all-cause death by day 28.

The study authors sought to determine the proportion of states that elected to follow CDC recommendations by identifying each state’s COVID-19 vaccination webpage through keyword-based internet search and set out to identify information about vaccinations for patients with cancer.

According to a Kaiser Permanente research study, individuals who received COVID-19 vaccination had lower non-COVID-19 death rates than individuals who were unvaccinated.

Laura Lee Hall, PhD, president of the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC), addresses how the diabetes DRIVE program compares with the SHC DRIVE models for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Study indicates those who experienced a greater amount of stress from the COVID-19 pandemic had reduced information processing speed.

Dr Jason Gallagher explains how COVID-19 booster shots affect herd immunity in the United States.

A panel of experts gives an overview on the purpose of COVID-19 booster shots and their critical importance to population health.

Ronald T. Piervincenzi, PhD, CEO of US Pharmacopeia, explains how pharmacists and USP came together in 2021 to work harder than ever before, as well as what can be done now to prepare for the next health crisis.

Immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and dying from COVID-19.

Ronald T. Piervincenzi, PhD, CEO of US Pharmacopeia, discusses the challenges that lie ahead as we move into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other major developments on the horizon for pharmacists in 2022.

Investigators in a clinical study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 months to under 5 years noted that their research will continue with new changes.

Study may help guide COVID-19 vaccination strategies for patients with blood disorders.

Study shows moderately reduced efficacy of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over time against Delta infection, which supports current booster dose recommendations.

A single booster dose of the GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi recombinant adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate delivered consistent and strong immune responses.

The unique challenges that pharmacy learners encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforce their importance in the professional pharmacy setting.

NRx Pharmaceuticals announces that no new concerns were identified by an independent data safety monitoring board, which recommends continued enrollment.

The findings are consistent with an interim analysis showing that the drug significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization or death for any cause by 89% compared with the placebo.

The study examined safety, immune response (immunogenicity), and adverse effects of 7 vaccines when used as a third booster jab.

An FDA decision regarding Merck's COVID-19 oral antiviral is imminent, but a recent CMS decision could limit patient access.

Primary and secondary endpoints for which data are available were met in a trial dominated by variants.

The emergency use authorization is based on the agency’s previous analysis of immune response data that supported use of a dose for individuals aged 18 years and older.

Studies are currently underway to determine the impact of the Omicron COVID-19 variant on the long-acting antibody combination.

Based on experience with other variants, Pfizer and BioNTech have high confidence that if needed, they can deliver an Omicron-based COVID-19 vaccine in March 2022.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine found to offer an increased level of protection, including a 21% reduced risk of documented infection and 41% lower risk of hospitalization.