EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended granting an extension of indication for the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty to include use in children aged 12 to 15. The vaccine is already approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 16 and above. Comirnaty is a vaccine for preventing COVID-19. It contains a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) with instructions for […]
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Commission proposes to ease restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU
The Commission is proposing that Member States ease the current restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU to take into account the progress of vaccination campaigns and developments in the epidemiological situation worldwide. The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good […]
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Advances in leukemia treatment
EU-backed researchers have identified a protein encoded by the MSI2 gene that could lead to new therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A new discovery made by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna could help in the treatment of AML. With support from the EU-funded ONCOMECHAML and ARCH projects, the research team […]
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EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets
EMA confirms overall benefit-risk remains positive EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) has concluded today that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects of Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca). In reaching its conclusion, the committee took into consideration all currently available evidence, including the advice from an ad hoc […]
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SARS-CoV-2 mutations thwart body’s killer cells
An EU-backed study has shown that when the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates, it can prevent killer T cells from recognising infected cells and eliminating them. In the ongoing battle against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, antibodies play a vital role in fighting off infection. However, they don’t work alone. Another protagonist is the killer T cell that finds […]
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Coronavirus variants: current status and impact on EU vaccination
Experts from the EMA, the European Centre for Disease Control and the WHO discussed coronavirus strains and vaccine efficacy with MEPs on 15 March. The Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee held a discussion on 15 March on Covid-19 variants and vaccine effectiveness with representatives from the European Medicines Agency, the European Centre […]
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COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca: PRAC investigating cases of thromboembolic events
EMA is aware that the Danish Health Authority has paused its vaccination campaign with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This was decided as a precautionary measure while a full investigation is ongoing into reports of blood clots in people who received the vaccine, including one case in Denmark where a person died. Some other Member States have […]
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Avian influenza: 25 EU/EEA countries affected
Around 1,000 detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were reported in 25 EU/EEA countries and the UK between 8 December 2020 and 23 February 2021, according to the latest overview of HPAI in Europe. The majority of the 1,022 detections – 592 – were reported in domestic poultry, with wild and captive birds making up […]
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SARS-CoV-2 in mink: recommendations to improve monitoring
Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) should be a priority objective for monitoring activities at mink farms in the European Union, a new report recommends. The report, compiled by EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), proposes options for monitoring strategies that will help to prevent and control spread of the disease. It concludes […]
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