Prophylaxis News and Research

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New report reveals the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) reveals the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus (GBS) – a common bacterium that can be transmitted in the womb, during birth, or in the early weeks of life – leading to around 150,000 deaths of babies each year, more than half a million preterm births and significant long-term disability.

20 Jan 2022

Variants of SARS-CoV-2 and preventive strategies

A recent review article published in the journal Advanced Science reviewed the features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants. Using a physical and materials science perspective, the review also summarizes the most significant variants of SARS-CoV-2 encountered to date as well as possible preventive strategies.

19 Jan 2022

Cannabidiol may improve innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2

A recent study shows evidence that cannabidiol, an important active ingredient in the Cannabis sativa plant, can augment the antiviral innate immune response and prophylactically prime the innate antiviral response of cells – enabling in turn improved response against viruses such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

16 Jan 2022

A clinical tool for monoclonal antibody allocation to treat COVID-19

In this research paper, a group of Mayo Clinic researchers discusses how data from MATRx's clinical prioritizing algorithms can be used to address anti-spike monoclonal antibody allocation during times of scarcity.

13 Jan 2022

An egg-derived SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and treatment for COVID-19 disease

A new study, posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, has focussed on the development of intranasal prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

11 Jan 2022

Impact of post-exposure BNT162b2 prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 infections

In a new study, researchers determined evidence for post-exposure vaccination in reducing the mortality rate of COVID-19 and concluded that post-exposure prophylaxis successfully decreased SARS-CoV-2-associated death rates.

11 Jan 2022

Bolstering current therapeutic antibody treatments to help fight Omicron infections

Researchers test the neutralizing action of a panel of eight therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant.

9 Jan 2022

Study shows probiotics can reduce symptoms of COVID-19 when taken post-exposure

A new study shows how a daily use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic may protect against symptom development in instances when it is used as post-exposure prophylaxis within seven days after exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

7 Jan 2022

CDC raises awareness of the risks of rabies from bats in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising awareness of the risks of rabies from bats in the U.S. after three people, including one child, died from rabies between late September and early November 2021.

6 Jan 2022

Monoclonal antibody treatment of COVID-19 reduces viral shedding

Researchers aim to understand the potential benefits of mAbs in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

5 Jan 2022

Transplant recipients benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine booster

A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv* server describes the reduction in humoral immunity in SOTR following vaccination, as well as the improvement with an additional dose of the vaccine.

4 Jan 2022

Impact of a pan-sarbecovirus dendritic-cell targeting vaccine on SARS-CoV-2 variants

A new study used in silico approaches for designing a next-generation CD40-targeting vaccine, CD40.

31 Dec 2021

Combination of rifampicin and resveratrol helps stop dementia, finds study

Dementia is thought to occur when proteins called amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein accumulate in the brain and form oligomers. A research group from the Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, had previously shown in a study using mice that the antibiotic rifampicin removes oligomers from the brain and improves cognitive function.

29 Dec 2021

FDA approval of long-acting injectable drug marks a vital expansion of HIV prevention options

Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its first approval of a long-acting HIV prevention medication. Developed by ViiV Healthcare, the medicine is long-acting cabotegravir injected once every two months.

21 Dec 2021

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody infusion shown to demonstrate robust immune response following COVID-19 vaccination

A new study expands the understanding of the impact of receiving a prophylactic monoclonal antibody infusion, as well as other variables, on the endogenous immune response to complete COVID-19 immunization.

20 Dec 2021

Study suggests convalescent plasma appears safe but does not prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection

A new study assesses the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma containing high titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as PEP.

16 Dec 2021

Screening FDA-approved compounds shown to possess antiviral or antimicrobial activity for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition

Researchers have screened several compounds that could show the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2.

10 Dec 2021

Subcutaneously administered monoclonal antibodies associated with reduced hospitalization and death amongst COVID 19 outpatients

A new preprint describes the results of a study that compares intravenous administration of one such therapy to its subcutaneous use, in terms of clinical outcomes.

3 Dec 2021

Novel peptide-antibody fusion molecule enhances SARS-CoV-2 variant neutralization

A recent study reports neutralizing efficacy for a fused peptide-antibody molecule against SARS-CoV-2, providing hope that therapeutic neutralizing antibodies may soon be available.