With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Experimental drug reduces risk of severe COVID-19 

An experimental drug developed by Merck together with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics has been shown to be effective against the known coronavirus variants in laboratory studies. Unlike the current Covid-19 vaccines, which target the spike protein, molnupiravir targets the viral polymerase, an enzyme used by the virus to replicate. The drug works by introducing errors into the viral genetic code. 

Interim clinical trial results released on Friday show that molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death for patients at risk of severe disease by 50%. The trial was stopped early because of the positive results. The company is planning to apply to the US FDA for emergency use authorization…(Source: Medscape, 1st Oct & Sept. 30, 2021)

Half-dose Moderna booster shots may get FDA nod

The US FDA is considering authorization of half-dose booster shots of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine. The original dose was 100 µg, while the booster shot has 50 mcg dose. Administering half dose shot could reduce the side effects. The initial shots and booster of the Pfizer vaccine contain 30 µg doses… (Source: Medscape, Sept. 30, 2121)

The first antiviral drug to prevent COVID-19?

An oral antiviral drug “PF-07321332”  to prevent Covid-19 infection among those who have been exposed to the virus is underway. Ritonavir is the control drug. The study group includes 2,660 healthy adult participants aged ≥18 years, who are household contacts of a confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 infection. PF-07321332 is a protease inhibitor developed by Pfizer… (Source: Medscape, Sept. 28, 2021) 

Study from Malaysia demonstrates high efficacy of Sinovac vaccine in preventing serious disease

A study conducted by the Malaysian government has demonstrated high efficacy of the inactivated Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine in preventing serious disease, although the Pfizer and AstraZeneca provided superior protection. Of the 7.2 million persons who were given Sinovac, 0.011% required intensive care. On the other hand, 0.002% of about 6.5 million recipients of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine were admitted to the ICU and 0.001% of 744,958 recipients of the AstraZeneca needed intensive care… (Source: Medscape, Sept. 28, 2121)

Current smokers 80% more likely to be hospitalized for Covid-19

A UK study has shown that current smokers are 80% more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than non-smokers. Covid-related mortality rates are also higher in the current smokers. The study published in the journal Thorax also found that heavy smokers who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day were 6.11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to never smokers. Infection risk was 45% higher and the hospitalization risk was also 60% higher in participants with genetically tendency to start smoking… (Source: Medscape, Thorax, Sept. 27,2021)