Latest COVID-19 Developments: Plaquenil Paper Has Unreliable Results, Blood Type Effects, Vaccine Study Updates, Children and the Pandemic
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About the globally disruptive novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting COVID-19 Pandemic, new information emerges every day. In this article, we will share the latest published information.
The published paper on hydroxychloroquine (the malaria drug Plaquenil) is unreliable!
Hydroxychloroquine was discussed in the article that sparked months of debate over its effectiveness in COVID-19 treatment, published in March 2020. Other scientists reviewed this article. According to the paper describing that review, the March 2020 article has major methodological shortcomings. Frits Rosendaal of Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands summarizes his paper listing 10 problems with the March 2020 article as follows: "Because of its methodological shortcomings, presenting the report as evidence is utterly unfounded. Claiming that hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19, and even recommending its use, is not only untrue but a desperate demand. Furthermore, recommending the use of hydroxychloroquine, which has extremely serious side effects, is unreliable."
What does blood type tell us about COVID-19?
Although blood type is not an indicator of COVID-19 severity or the need for hospitalization, a new study reports that it may be associated with a positive COVID-19 test. Researchers from the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston analyzed data from 1289 adults with COVID-19 symptoms and compared the results with their blood types. The researchers reported: "Although blood type is not associated with disease severity or risk of death, people with B Rh+ and AB blood types are more likely to test positive on a COVID-19 diagnostic test than people with blood type 0". They emphasized the importance of continuing to investigate the relationship between blood types and COVID-19 in future studies.
Latest developments in COVID-19 vaccine studies
At a meeting with various companies working on vaccine development, each company was asked for the latest information about its vaccine candidate. AstraZeneca summarized its latest developments as follows: "For our COVID-19 vaccine candidate AZD1222, more than 1 billion dollars has been allocated to producing and supplying 300 million doses for the United States. Initial doses will be provided in October 2020 and the remaining doses during 2021. A study published in The Lancet proves that 1 month after a single dose of AZD1222, 95% of patients showed a fourfold increase in antibodies produced against the S protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus."
Another company, Moderna, reported that preparations were underway to begin phase 3 clinical trials this month involving around 30 thousand people. The company said it could have data by the end of the year and would apply to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin distribution if the results were positive (see The Coronavirus Vaccine Closest to Approval: Moderna mRNA-1273).
Pfizer said at the meeting that it had allocated a budget of 1 billion dollars and, if everything went well and it received approval, it would produce 100 million doses by the end of 2020 and 1.3 billion doses worldwide during 2021.
Johnson & Johnson announced that it was conducting phase 3 studies and would receive results in early 2021. Merck, meanwhile, said it did not expect to obtain any license until early 2021.
Alongside these statements, Dr. Macaya Douoguih, who leads Johnson & Johnson's vaccine development work, said: "Access to the vaccine is not the only issue; increasing public confidence in the vaccine and addressing all their questions is just as important. If most people do not agree to use the vaccine, our work will not achieve its purpose"".
- Related Topic: THE VACCINE RACE Against Coronavirus: An Illustrated Guide
Children and the pandemic
As the date for schools to reopen approaches, families, teachers and caregivers are increasingly concerned about how to educate children and what constitutes a safe environment. Although many questions asked in interviews with medical experts remain unanswered and responses are personal, Dr. Kristina Bryant shares her thoughts as follows: "We are still learning about SARS-CoV-2 and its effects on children. From studies so far, we know that the risk of viral transmission is lower in younger children, although the exact reason is unknown. One reason may be that younger children have smaller lungs than adults and therefore do not produce large enough droplets when coughing. Another possibility is that children produce fewer ACE2 receptors, which allow the virus to attach. Many different aspects must be considered at the same time. Each classroom should be assessed according to the age range of its students. What we know today will not be the same as what we know in November. It is therefore extremely important to be cautious, follow developments closely and revise decisions accordingly".
Conclusion
The new information acquired every day increases hope for resolving the pandemic. We will continue to follow developments closely and share them with you. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by paying attention to hand hygiene, maintaining social distance and taking care to wear masks outside the home.
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