Weekly new Covid cases continue to increase globally

The weekly new Covid cases are continually increasing for the fourth successive week. Nearly 5 million cases were recorded in the week from 27th June to 3rd  July 2022, according to the latest weekly epidemiological update on Covid-19. However, new deaths per week registered a fall of 12% in comparison to the previous week. The Eastern Mediterranean Region showed a rise of 29% in the new weekly cases; in South-East Asia Region new weekly cases were up by 20% and by 15% in the European Region. However, the African Region and the Region of the Americas recorded a decline in new weekly cases of -33% and -18%, respectively…(Source: WHO, July 6, 2022)

Omicron variant is still the dominant strain globally

The currently dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain globally remains the Omicron variant. In June 2022, it accounted for 92% of cases. The delta variant and the recombinant strains constituted the rest of the cases. Eighty-three countries have reported the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron, which increased from 37% to 52% in the week from June 19 to June 25. The BA.4 has now been detected from 73 countries and has increased from 11% to 12%. On the other hand, the BA.2 has declined from 16% to 9% as did the BA.2.12.1, which decreased from 19% to 11%...(Source: WHO, July 6, 2022)

A new sublineage of Omicron in India

BA.2.75, a new subvariant of the Omicron, called “Centaurus” has emerged in India and other countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and US. It is being closely monitored, says the World Health Organization (WHO). It was first detected in May this year. Two more new sublineages of the BA.2 variant namely, BA.2.74 and BA.2.76 have also been detected. It is presumed that these new variants may be driving the recent surge in cases in the country…(Source: ANI, July 7, Medscape, July 7 & & ET Healthworld July 4, 2022)

US Pharmacists can now prescribe Paxlovid directly to Covid-19 patients

Authorized state-licensed pharmacists can now prescribe Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) directly to eligible patients with Covid-19. This prescribed authority follows the amendment of the EUA for Paxlovid by the US FDA earlier this week. Before seeking a prescription from the pharmacist, patients have to provide all health records within one year, whether digital or printed, plus the latest lab test reports for review by the pharmacist to detect any liver or kidney disorder. This information can also be acquired via the treating physician. A complete list of medications being consumed is also required. If such information is not available, then the pharmacist should refer the patient to a physician…(Source: July 6, 2022)

Sabizabulin, a new antiviral drug for Covid-19 shows encouraging results

A phase III clinical trial published in NEJM Evidence has documented the beneficial effects of oral sabizabulin 9 mg in patients who have been hospitalized with moderate to severe Covid-19 and were at high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and mortality. Mortality decreased by nearly 25% vs placebo. The length of ICU admission or mechanical ventilation or hospital stay was also reduced by 43%, 49% and 26%, respectively. According to the study, it had “an acceptable side-effect and safety profile”. Sabizabulin disrupts the microtubule to exert dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions… (Source: NEJM Evidence, July 6, 2022).