Apr 24, 2021Phase 2 trial shows 77% efficacy for malaria vaccine candidate R21The results of a Phase IIb randomized, controlled, double-blind trial conducted at the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN) / Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Burkina Faso indicate 77% efficacy over 12 months of follow-up for a vaccine that targets malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The…Malaria4 min read
Feb 15, 2021Small study showed colchicine improved outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patientsA small randomized, double-blind clinical trial published in RMD Open showed colchicine to be safe and effective in treating moderate to severe COVID-19 infections in hospitalized patients. In the study, patients who took the inexpensive drug required supplemental oxygen and hospitalization for less time. …Colchicine3 min read
Jan 12, 2021Extremely rare case of death from bat rabies in FranceMost bats do not have rabies. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even among bats submitted for rabies testing, only about 6% had rabies. Rabies can only be confirmed in a laboratory but any bat that is active by day or is found in a…Bats3 min read
Jan 12, 2021New TB vaccine, MTBVAC, shows protection against aerosol tuberculosis infection in monkeysResearchers from Europe and the United States show that a new tuberculosis vaccine, MTBVAC, protects better than the current BCG vaccine in a model of tuberculosis in macaques.Tuberculosis3 min read
Oct 23, 2020Finally, an FDA-approved Ebola treatmentOver 2 years since the Kivu Ebola epidemic began in August 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first antibody cocktail for the treatment for Zaire ebolavirus (Ebola virus) infection in adult and pediatric patients. The drug, called Inmazeb, was developed by Regeneron — a biotech company…Ebola3 min read
Jun 29, 2020Studies conclude “COVID toes” are not related to COVID-19UPDATE [January 2021]: The pathophysiology of chilblains (“COVID toes”) is still widely debated. An association with SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unconfirmed. Conflicting current evidence highlights the need for systematic and repeated testing of larger numbers of patients and the need for valid follow-up data.Covid 194 min read
Jun 3, 2020Researchers document how asymptomatic COVID-19 cases unknowingly spread the coronavirusA study published mid-April reported that people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing COVID-19, might be most contagious during the period before they have symptoms. Two studies published in late May showed that a high percentage of people with COVID-19 could be without symptoms. In one study, Australian researchers reported…Masks3 min read
May 23, 2020New study: sunlight can inactivate COVID-19 virusPrevious studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is stable on surfaces for extended periods under indoor conditions. A research in China demonstrated sustained coronavirus transmission despite changing weather conditions in different parts of the country that ranged from cold and dry to warm and humid. A…Covid 193 min read
May 14, 2020Phase 2 study shows 3-drug combo shortens COVID-19 viral sheddingA phase 2 trial has shown that a 2-week course of triple antiviral therapy with (1) interferon beta-1b (used to treat the relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis), (2) lopinavir-ritonavir (for the treatment of HIV/AIDS) and (3) ribavirin (used to treat chronic hepatitis C and other flavivirus infections) is…Covid 193 min read
Apr 24, 2020Zero malaria is still possible — it starts with meApril 25 marks “World Malaria Day,” which is celebrated every year to recognize global efforts to control the disease, to commemorate those who have been affected by it, and to highlight the need for continued investment in and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.Malaria3 min read
