Scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have stated that the B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus, or the double mutant, is fast replacing the N440K variant in South India.

Former CCMB director Rakesh Mishra stated that the double mutant is dominating in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An analysis of 5,000 variants earlier this year had revealed that N440K was spreading more in the southern states compared to other variants. However, the double mutant is now fast replacing N440K, including in Kerala. The B.1.617 variant carries 15 line age defining mutations, and has three new spike protein mutations. Two mutations, namely E484Q and L452R, are in the area which is vital for antibody-based neutralization, while the third mutation, P681R, enables the virus to enter cells a little better… (NDTV – PTI, May 4, 2021)