Serum Institute joins CEPI network for vaccines against unknown pathogens (Disease X)
Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced its partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network, based in Oslo. This collaboration aims to facilitate the swift development and supply of outbreak vaccines, particularly for Disease X or unknown pathogenic threats, in Global South countries. CEPI is investing up to $30 million to enhance SII's capacity for rapid vaccine supply during epidemics and pandemics. Key Points
Economic TimesBharat Biotech forge strategic partnership with University of Sydney for vaccine research
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 28 (ANI): Bharat Biotech International Limited and the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for vaccine research. This collaborative agreement aims to propel vaccine research initiatives, bolster academic-industry partnerships, and contribute to the global fight against infectious diseases. Show Full Article The […] Key Points
ThePrintEU in talks with Moderna over new deal for COVID vaccines - FT
The European Union is in talks with Moderna (MRNA.O) over a new supply deal for the company's COVID-19 vaccines amid concerns over a rise in infections in the region, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. Key Points
ReutersRobert F. Kennedy Jr.’s misleading vaccine claims, debunked
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political views include misleading claims about vaccines causing autism and being deadly for babies — all of which are false. Key Points
InsiderUS CDC OKs use of new Pfizer, GSK vaccines for RSV in older adults
The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday signed off on the use of new vaccines from Pfizer and GSK to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in older adults. Key Points
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Almost $1.9 billion left in COVID vaccine scheme for future health efforts -Germany
Almost $1.9 billion left in the global scheme to share COVID-19 vaccines more equitably will be used to help prepare for future pandemics and other health threats, said the German development ministry on Tuesday. Key Points
ReutersBharat Biotech’s partner says Covaxin not commercially viable in North America
Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech’s North American partner Ocugen has decided that development of the Indian company’s COVID-19 vaccine is not commercially viable in the light of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to pull the plug on monovalent vaccines. Key Points
The HinduFDA Approves New Covid vaccines Amid Summer Surge
The updated vaccines target the currently circulating KP.2 variant. Key Points
WIREDCovid Boosters Can’t Outpace New Mutations. Here’s Why They Still Work
The latest vaccines are designed to target XBB.1.5, the dominant variant throughout much of 2023—until now. Key Points
WIREDCovid-induced Nobel Prize is on brand
Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman received the ultimate form of scientific recognition in a relatively speedy form when they were named Nobel Prize winners in medicine on Monday for work they published 18 years ago. They realized that modifying lab-made mRNA, a molecule used for protein production, nearly stopped the body from mounting an inflammatory response. That paved the way for molecules to be designed and used as medicines, helping create vaccines for Covid-19. Typically such discoveries take a generation to turn into useful antidotes, and many never see the light of day. While the pandemic acted as a powerful solvent on the social and scientific trends to speed up the vaccines, that’s because the balance in quickly pushing for rewards at the expense of possible consequences changes when more is at stake. Key Points
Reuters
India has made significant progress in increasing access to vaccines in recent years: Vivek Sehgal, DG, OPPI
Immunisation currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles, as per WHO data. Key Points
FinancialexpressOver 15 million Americans got updated COVID vaccines so far
Over 15 million people in the United States, around 4.5% of the population, had received the updated COVID-19 shots by Oct. 27, a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson said on Wednesday, lagging behind last year's vaccinations. Key Points
ReutersBiological E's Covid-19 vaccine CORBEVAX gets WHO emergency use listing
India Business News: Biological E's Covid-19 vaccine CORBEVAX has received emergency use listing from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine was approved in India for restricted use in emergency for adults, adolescents, and young children, as well as a heterologous booster dose for those aged 18 years and above. The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker has already supplied 100 million doses of CORBEVAX to the Indian government. The WHO EUL will help the company continue developing Covid-19 vaccines. Key Points
Times Of IndiaCovid-19 cases rise in India: Existing vaccines protect against JN.1 sub-variant? What expert says
New covid variant JN.1, a variant of interest, has been classified by the World Health Organization. vaccines may not completely block JN.1 infections, but they can reduce the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation Key Points
mintNovavax: The new FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine with fewer side effects
The FDA approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax. The vaccine is more effective at protecting against omicron strains of the virus. Key Points
Insider
New Covid variant JN.1 could be more infectious: All you need to know about it
The JN.1 strain is a descendant of the BA.2.86 Covid variant, also known as Pirola, which came from Omicron. Key Points
India TodayNew Malaria vaccines Offer a Real Shot at Fighting the Disease
A malaria vaccine that could protect millions of children against the parasite-borne disease is expected to roll out early next year. It follows another formula that has already had moderate success. Key Points
WIREDNew Malaria vaccines Offer a Real Shot at Fighting the Disease
A malaria vaccine that could protect millions of children against the parasite-borne disease is expected to roll out early next year. It follows another formula that has already had moderate success. Key Points
WIRED‘Ease of administration, reduced hesitancy’ — India’s 1st nasal flu vaccine raises hope of acceptance
Mylab & Serum Institute of India launched Nasovac S4 last week. It's being seen as major step towards increasing acceptance of flu vaccines in India, where uptake has been low. Key Points
ThePrintKatalin Karikó’s Nobel Prize Marks the Beginning of an mRNA Vaccine Revolution
Nobel Prize winners Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman pioneered the technology that produced a Covid-19 vaccine in record time. Next, mRNA could tackle flu, malaria, and HIV. Key Points
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Katalin Karikó’s Nobel Prize Marks the Beginning of a Vaccine Revolution
Nobel Prize winners Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman pioneered the technology that produced a Covid-19 vaccine in record time. Next, mRNA could tackle flu, malaria, and HIV. Key Points
WIREDPanchkula: As Covid cases rise, vaccine dries up at health centres
Chandigarh reported 36 new Covid cases on Friday, with the positivity rate being 5.62 per cent and the number of active cases being 174. Key Points
The Indian ExpressRussia is close to creating cancer vaccines, says Vladimir Putin
Putin did not specify which types of cancer the proposed vaccines would target, nor how. President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russian scientists... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaYou may not need a fourth Covid vaccine now but a flu shot
Public health experts suggest that a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine is unnecessary for now. With only 220 million people taking the third dose, a fourth dose may help build resistance, but health experts don't see the need for it as Covid cases in India have drastically decreased. Instead, considering the high number of flu cases in India's cities, vaccinating against flu may be a better idea. Key Points
Economic TimesFirst Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine from India approved by regulators
India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine for the Omicron variant, GEMCOVAC-OM, developed by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, was approved under emergency use guidelines by the Drug Controller General of India late on June 19. This comes a year after the company got approval for GEMCOVAC-19, the country’s first m-RNA vaccine against COVID-19. Key Points
The Hindu
Odisha's first vaccine manufacturing plant to start production by May
According to the Odisha chief minister's office, the plant, at full capacity, will be the biggest vaccine-producing plant in the country. It is expected to produce over 15 vaccines for various diseases, including cholera and malaria. Key Points
Economic TimesOutraged over Poonam Pandey faking her death? Ask yourself why
Discover the reasons behind the outrage over Poonam Pandey faking her own death. Explore the impact of her marketing ploy and the societal implications. Learn about the importance of cervical cancer awareness and HPV vaccines. Key Points
Times Of IndiaCovid-19 JN.1: Is your vaccine effective against the new variant?
While research on vaccine effectiveness against JN.1 is ongoing, booster doses could enhance protection by boosting the immune response, said expert. Key Points
India TodayAll about leading COVID-19 variants HV.1, EG.5 and others spreading wings in US
Four new variants of COVID-19 namely, HV.1, EG.5, BA.2.86 and JN.1 are being tracked by scientists in the US. Here's all you need Key Points
Hindustan TimesJN.1 cases in several states: What are the preventive measures?
Delhi reported its first case of JN.1 strain. Experts maintain that there's no need to panic. However, precautions should be taken. Key Points
India Today
This Vaccine Protects Against Cancer—but Not Enough Boys Are Getting It
The HPV vaccine can effectively prevent a range of cancers if administered at the right age. But boys still can't access it in most countries. Key Points
WIREDCovid jab technology-based bird flu vaccine may help curb H5N1 cases
Among those infected with H5N1, the vaccine helps clear the virus more rapidly. Amid the global rise in H5N1 cases, US scientists have developed an experimental... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaMany private hospitals stop procuring Covid vaccines as demand drops
Apollo hospitals is currently obtaining only Covovax and intends to acquire more as needed, said Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care at Indraprastha Apollo hospital. Private participation has become miniscule since last year, they said. Key Points
Economic TimesPrivate hospitals in no hurry to procure covid vaccines
Private hospitals are currently hesitant to acquire Covid-19 vaccines and are waiting for clarity from the government. Despite a surge in Covid-19 cases raising concerns, senior executives from major private hospitals have indicated that they currently have no vaccine stocks and do not have immediate plans to procure them. Their decision is influenced by the perception that the rise in cases is linked to a mild variant of the virus. Key Points
Economic TimesPM Modi praises Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Vaccine War': 'It highlights importance of scientists'
'The Vaccine War' has received favourable reviews, with some critics giving it four stars and calling it "powerful". In a tweet on September 27, film critic Taran Adarsh said 'The Vaccine War' is an important film that should be watched by one and all. Key Points
Business Today
ET Awards: India's Covid success story rooted in ethos of service, solidarity: Mansukh Mandaviya
Mandaviya, who also holds the charge of chemicals and fertilisers, said India administered 2.2 billion doses of Covid vaccines, making it the worlds largest Covid vaccination drive. He said 10 million doses were administered every day for at least 11 days during the pandemic. There was never a day when a person had to return without a vaccine because of lack of vaccinators or vaccines or syringes or needles,” Mandaviya said. Key Points
Economic Times'Just in case': Vaccine makers say bird flu shots for humans can be made in months
In a pandemic, vaccine manufacturers would shift production of seasonal flu vaccines and instead make shots tailored to the new outbreak when needed. They already have the capacity to make hundreds of millions of doses. Key Points
India TodayCould mRNA make us superhuman?
Until recently most people had never even heard of mRNA vaccines. Now scientists believe the Nobel Prize-winning technology behind them may be the key to solving a wealth of health problems. Key Points
BBCPM Modi passes trust vote, Opposition's no-confidence motion defeated in Lok Sabha
Earlier, PM Modi said, 'Congress loved to tarnish India's image and they amplify it in the country. They don't trust India-made vaccines. They don't believe in India's people and their capabilities, but I want to tell them that the level of no-confidence among people toward Congress is high' Key Points
FirstpostIndia's GlaxoSmithKline Pharma posts rise in Q1 profit on steady vaccine business
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GLAX.NS), the Indian unit of UK's GSK plc (GSK.L), posted an 11% rise in first-quarter profit on Wednesday, buoyed by strong demand for its vaccines. Key Points
Reuters
Ujjwala to vaccines to Vande Bharat: BJP showcases nine years of Govt
The event was attended by senior BJP leaders and several Union ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Anurag Thakur, Smriti Irani and Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Also present was national head, media, Anil Baluni. Key Points
The Indian Express