The worldwide outbreak of the severe and acute respiratory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 is currently the focal point of discussion due to the suffering this syndrome is causing to humanity. However, the ophthalmological implications of this syndrome have not yet been well described. Both eyes …
Read More »CHINA’S VACCINE STORY
China has been among the first in the world to effectively stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the country, and because of this, the government has been able to take its time over the development of a vaccine. This is in contrast to Western and other nations, where the development …
Read More »COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT
CanSino Biologics CanSino Biologics’ vaccine is a one-dose adenovirus-based vaccine that can be stored at 2–8 ºC. Its trial included 40,000 volunteers. March 2020: China’s CanSino Biologics and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences launch phase 1 trial in Wuhan after getting regulatory approval to start human trials of their …
Read More »THE VACCINES ARE HERE
According to The New York Times’ “Corona Vaccine Tracker”, till Nov 17, 2020, there are 54 vaccines in clinical trials on humans, and at least 87 preclinical vaccines that are under active investigation in animals. Till date, 38 potential vaccines for COVID-19 are undergoing Phase 1 trials (safety and …
Read More »Faster and affordable alternatives to RT-PCR
Many biotech companies and researchers have developed new testing methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 in order to cut backlogs and increase the accessibility of testing. At the moment, nucleic acid amplification testing (PCR/RT-PCR) is the most widely used platform to detect SARS-CoV-2. It is a gold standard test with high levels …
Read More »The Vaccines are on the Way
The development of the COVID-19 vaccine is a worldwide effort involving some of the best biological and pharmaceutical companies. Not only is it an effort involving massive amounts of money, but also, a race among nations for prestige and achievement. As of date, the leading companies with their COVID-19 …
Read More »Global Study Finds Remdesivir ‘Unpromising’ for COVID-19
Results of a World Health Organization coordinated study show that remdesivir has “little or no effect on mortality” for patients hospitalized with coronavirus, and that it doesn’t seem to help patients recover any faster. Till date, this antiviral drug was the only drug that the US FDA had granted COVID-19 …
Read More »After Sputnik V, EpiVacCorona
After government approval of Sputnik V, Russia’s first COVID-19 vaccine, on August 11, 2020, health authorities have, on October 14, 2020, approved its second vaccine, EpiVacCorona, developed by Novosibirsk’s Vektor [State Virology and Biotechnology Center], as it starts large-scale trials. According to President Putin, his deputy prime minister and the …
Read More »Trumping COVID-19
Early on October 2, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump, 74, revealed that he had tested positive for the novel corona virus. A day earlier, he had tested positive on a rapid test used for screening White House staff , which was later confirmed by a more accurate lab test. He …
Read More »The Breath of Life
Even after nine months since the coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, many hospitals across the world are facing severe shortages of necessary medical care supplies that are essential for saving the lives of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. And, ventilators are at the forefront. When Europe became the epicenter of pandemic …
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