Biotech
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 4:21 pm EDT
Key Points
- FLiRT variants, derived from the mutations in their genetic code, are spreading globally, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, raising concerns of a summer spike in Covid-19 cases.
- Descendants of the JN.1 variant, the FLiRT variants show little evidence of increased severity but have independently acquired similar mutations, according to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- KP.2, the dominant strain in the U.S., has seen a significant rise, accounting for 28.2% of cases by mid-May, with another FLiRT variant, KP.1.1, also contributing to current infections. The World Health Organization notes limited cases globally but slight increases in detections. Health experts anticipate an increase in cases, particularly during the summer months, although many may be mild due to existing immunity. Vaccines’ effectiveness against these new strains is under close observation, with the U.S. FDA’s vaccine advisory committee set to discuss recommendations for this winter’s Covid-19 vaccine variant mix.
New strains of Covid-19, collectively known as the FLiRT variants, are spreading globally and raising concerns about a potential summer spike in cases. These new variants are descendants of the previously dominant JN.1 variant, an offshoot of Omicron. The FLiRT variants, which include strains like KP.2 and KP.1.1, have been independently picking up similar mutations. KP.2 has become the dominant strain in the U.S., accounting for 28.2% of cases by mid-May, a significant increase from its 3.8% presence at the end of March. KP.1.1 is also on the rise, making up 7.1% of current infections.
In Europe, the new variants have been detected in 14 countries, although the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that cases remain limited, with slight increases from very low levels in individual countries. The U.K. Health Security Agency is monitoring these variants but has not changed its public health advice, as the variants have not shown increased severity so far. Health professionals believe that a major wave of infections is unlikely due to higher public immunity compared to earlier stages of the pandemic. However, a rise in cases over the summer is anticipated.
Jennifer Horney, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Delaware, predicts that while the new variants will lead to an increase in cases, many will be mild due to existing immunity. The efficacy of current vaccines against these new strains is still being closely watched. In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccines advisory committee is set to meet to discuss the variant mix for the upcoming winter’s Covid-19 vaccine, after postponing an earlier meeting to gather more data.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/22/new-covid-flirt-variants-spark-concerns-of-a-summer-spike.html
