Vaccines, XBB.1.5 variant and antibody evasion

Corona virus XBB and XBB.1 were first identified in India in mid-August and quickly became predominant in India. The spike protein of the predominant XBB subvariant has 14 mutations in addition to those found in BA.2, including 5 in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and 9 in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), whereas XBB.1 has an additional G252V mutation.

Single and combination therapies with monoclonal antibodies have received emergency use authorization for COVID-19.

Using COVID-19 pseudovirus, which enables the study of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell culture, XBB, and XBB.1 subvariants were found to have far greater antibody resistance than earlier variants. XBB sublineages are completely resistant to bebtelovimab, leaving us with no authorized antibody for treatment use.

The combination of mAbs known as Evusheld that is authorized for the prevention of COVID-19 is also completely inactive against the new subvariants. This poses a serious problem for millions of immunocompromised individuals who have weak response to COVID-19 vaccines.

Even though it is spreading, there is no evidence that it causes more severe infection than any other Omicron variant.

We have to be more alert as XB.1.5 is better at evading the antibodies from COVID vaccines and previous infection

References:

1. https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(22)01531-8.pdf?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867422015318%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Comments

Mounjaro, Is it a game changer for weight loss and diabetes?

MOUNJARO™ ( Tirzepatide) was approved for medical use in the United States in May 2022 WEIGHT LOSS: (Not approved by FDA for weight loss) Eli Lilly and Company is finalizing an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management. MOUNJARO™ is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in adults for type 2 diabetes mellitus management. CONTRAINDICATIONS Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 Known serious all to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO ...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ---cough

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in young children. Recent RSV strain in Utah is causing moderate to severe cough (especially during night), weakness and cold-like symptoms . RSV infection is sometimes severe and is associated with hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, long-term complications, decreased quality of life, loss of work productivity and patient/caregiver stress. RSV may cause inflammation and infection of small airways and lungs. Recovery time usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, but RSV can cause serious disease. RSV combined with increasing flu circulation are keeping some hospitals and pharmacies occupied. Seventeen states are reporting that more than 80% of beds are full, according to the data. Children’s hospitals in Utah, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Kentucky are almost completely at capacity. RSV can spread when viral droplets from a ...

Sodium chloride Tablets USP

A 91- year old patient. Admitted to the hospital from the ED. Patient was seen for altered mental status. Labs, CT of brain head, CXR XR of left Tib/Fib were performed. Presumed meningioma in the left middle cranial fossa was noted. Sodium was critically low at 114. Nephrologist was consulted and hyponatremia is of unknown etiology. Patient also has uncontroled hypertension. Comorbidities: Coronary artery disease, Diabetes, Dementia, hypothyroidism, hyperlipedemia, neuropathy. Patient will need physicain oversight for hyponatremia, normal saline routinely, and medication management for hypertension. Rx: Sodium Chloride USP 1.0 gram Use 1. Hyponatremia 2. Preparation of normal isotonic solution of sodium chloride 3. As an electrolyte replenisher for the prevention of heat cramps, due to excessive perspiration 4. any alternate use as directed by a physician Each tablet contains: sodium 394mg Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder encountered i...

Real Time Pharmacology

Search This Blog