News & Updates

Simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza testing can protect high-risk groups

COVID-19 and influenza continue to pose severe public health challenge post-pandemic.

Rapid diagnostic tests that can differentiate between COVID-19 and influenza are essential for accurate diagnosis, care, and treatment.^1,2

VIATRIS MASTERCLASS 2024 - EMERGING ASIA MEDICAL AFFAIRS (August 3rd & 4th, 2024 | Da Nang, Vietnam)

Beyond medication dispensing: The expanding role of pharmacists in healthcare

In celebration of World Pharmacists Day on September 25, Kenvue brought together a panel of experts to discuss how pharmacists are contributing in significant ways to delivering effective, accessible healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Mr Paul Sinclair, President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, identified the roles pharmacists play in primary healthcare. Dr Angeline Yong, Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Laser Surgeon, Angeline Yong Dermatology Clinic, Singapore, described pharmacists as trusted advisors guiding good skincare practices. Dr Giridhar Sethuraman, Chief Consultant Neonatologist at Neolife Children’s Hospital, Chennai, India, focused on the role of pharmacists in managing atopic dermatitis in children. Dr Edwin Heng, Periodontist at Farrer Park Medical Centre, Singapore, discussed the critical connection between oral health and overall well-being. Professor Mohammad Haniki from the Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University of Malaysia, emphasized the importance of training pharmacists to support smoking cessation efforts.

From Virus to Vaccine: The Necessity of Strain Matching

 Although COVID-19 is becoming an endemic disease, SARS-CoV-2 infections in Singapore continue to show a pattern of surges and troughs, with continual evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 landscape. Emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 JN. variant, derived from Omicron BA.2.86, has recently given rise to further sublineages, notably KP.1 and KP.2.  In May 2024, the combined presence of KP.1 and KP.2 now accounts for over two-thirds of the COVID-19 cases in Singapore.

Tackling the twin threat: Improving diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and influenza

The co-circulation of COVID-19 and influenza presents ongoing challenges for healthcare providers, complicating diagnoses and straining primary care resources.

Safeguarding the future: Expert insights on COVID-19 treatment and pandemic preparedness

Pfizer recently hosted an event in Singapore to mark the approval of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, the first oral protease inhibitor for COVID-19 approved by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore. The event brought together experts to share the latest insights on the critical importance of COVID-19 treatment for high-risk patients and strategies to protect the nation against future pandemics. Professor Christian Sandrock, Director of Critical Care and Vice-Chair for Quality and Safety at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, US, discussed the next steps in managing COVID-19 during the endemic phase, re-evaluating clinical priorities. Dr Leong Choon Kit, a Family Physician at Mission Medical Clinic, Singapore, emphasized the role of primary care as the first line of defence in future pandemics. Dr Asok Kurup, an Infectious Disease Physician at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore, highlighted the crucial role of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in COVID-19 treatment.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir efficacy in special populations – Insights from comparative studies

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir has emerged as a key antiviral therapy in the fight against COVID-19, particularly for high-risk populations. Two recently published studies demonstrated the efficacy of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and in those with advanced kidney disease.

Pharmacists, your partners in self-care

September 25 marks the World Pharmacists Day, with this year’s theme, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.” The day holds importance as the world recognizes and celebrates the role of pharmacists in building healthy communities.

Pharmacists are integral to healthcare. They are at the forefront of self-care and are often the first point of contact for people seeking health advice in the community. This article focuses on the evolving role of pharmacists in oral health care, skin care, and smoking cessation.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduces risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations among outpatient elderly patients in SG

A retrospective cohort study assessed the real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in nonhospitalized elderly patients during transmission of Omicron sub-variants in Singapore.¹