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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen
EMA has received an application for conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen-Cilag International N.V. EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) will assess the vaccine, known as COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, under an accelerated timetable. The Committee could issue an opinion by the middle of March 2021, provided the company’s data on the vaccine’s efficacy, safety […]
Read More
HERA Incubator to anticipate the threat of COVID-19 variants
Von der Leyen announces the start of HERA Incubator to anticipate the threat of coronavirus variants To prepare Europe for an increased threat of coronavirus variants, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of European bio-defence preparedness plan called “HERA Incubator”. The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) Incubator will […]
Read More
Outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Africa
As of 14 February 2021, four cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), including two deaths, have been reported in the North Kivu province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as well as seven cases in Guinea, including three deaths. On 7 February 2021, the Minister of Health of the […]
Read More
EMA preparing guidance to tackle COVID-19 variants
EMA is developing guidance for manufacturers planning changes to the existing COVID-19 vaccines to tackle the new virus variants. In order to consider options for additional testing and development of vaccines that are effective against new virus mutations, the Agency has requested all vaccine developers to investigate if their vaccine can offer protection against any […]
Read More