News & Updates

Pooled saliva tests for cCMV infection feasible, cost-effective

Pooled saliva tests for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection are both accurate and cost-efficient, potentially transforming the implementation of universal cCMV screening, suggests a study presented at IDWeek 2024.

Norovirus vaccine one step closer to reality

A single injection of mRNA-1403, a multivalent norovirus mRNA vaccine, induces a robust serum histo-blood group antigen (HBGA)-blocking antibody response across all dose levels in adults, as shown by interim results of an ongoing phase I/II trial presented at IDWeek 2024. Comparable findings have been observed with serum virus-like particle (VLP)-binding antibody responses.

MVA-BN vax shows favourable safety, tolerability in adolescents in phase II study

Interim data from a phase II trial demonstrate the safety and tolerability of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine in adolescents. MVA-BN is a live attenuated, non-replicating orthopoxvirus vaccine licensed in the US for smallpox and mpox prevention.

Novel islatravir + lenacapavir combo maintains high viral suppression rates

Once-weekly treatment with islatravir, an investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor, and lenacapavir, a first-in-class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, led to sustained high rates of viral suppression at week 48 among people with HIV, according to the secondary endpoint results of a phase II study presented at IDWeek 2024.

Original New Drug Application Approvals by US FDA (1-15 November 2024)

New drug applications approved by US FDA as of 1-15 November 2024 which includes New Molecular Entities (NMEs) and new biologics. It does not include Tentative Approvals. Supplemental approvals may have occurred since the original approval date.

Novel device offers OTC solution for prompt STI testing

The Visby Medical Women’s Sexual Health Test – a single-use PCR platform that combines sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification, and detection into an integrated device – offers an over-the-counter solution for the detection of DNA from pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).

COVID-19 revisited: Where does nirmatrelvir/ritonavir fit?

At a Pfizer-sponsored symposium held during WONCA Asia Pacific Conference 2024 in Singapore, renowned experts discussed COVID-19 vaccines and highlighted the need for effective antivirals in high-risk groups, including for older adults, with a special focus on the oral antiviral pill nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.

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

Over 39M people could die from superbugs by 2050

More than 39 million people worldwide could die from antibiotic-resistant infections from 2025 to 2050 as the superbug crisis intensifies, according to a new global analysis of antimicrobial resistance.