One and Done
On February 27, 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for a one-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Belgium-based division of Johnson & Johnson.
Basic virology
SARS-like bat coronaviruses are not only in China
It is well past the time to stop blaming a laboratory in China for the release of SARS-CoV-2. Such fallacies reflect an ignorance of scientific facts, including the recent finding of closely related coronaviruses in bats in Thailand. The bat CoV RatG13, sampled in 2013 in Yunnan province, shares 96% whole genome identity with SARS-CoV-2, …
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An antiviral to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection
Vaccine development has far outpaced antiviral discovery for COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine was a disaster, and the repurposed remdesivir, which must be administered intravenously, has modest effect when given to hospitalized patients. The situation is unfortunate because antiviral drugs may be used to either prevent infection (prophylactic) or treat infection (therapeutic). A promising antiviral drug candidate is …
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Bacteria Make Antivirals
Viperin is a conserved antiviral protein that catalyzes the synthesis of chain terminator molecules in both vertebrates and prokaryotes.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
In recent months variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected that are unusual in that they have many more genome mutations than previously found. These have been called ‘variants of concern’ (VOC) as it has been suggested that the genome mutations might impact transmission, immune control, and virulence. Below I cover each of these issues separately. …
Camelids for COVID
Human monoclonal antibodies that block infection with SARS-CoV-2 are being used to treat COVID-19 patients, but an alternative, antibodies produced in camelids (alpacas and llamas) might have advantages. Camelid monoclonal antibodies can be more cheaply produced in mass quantities in bacteria, and protein engineering can be quickly used to produce a better therapeutic product. Human …