In this week's coronavirus update, Pfizer, Merck &Co., and the Japanese company, Shionogi, race to develop an antiviral medicine that targets Covid-19. Also, the delta variant continues to spread worldwide. We also have updated nationwide and worldwide infection numbers for you.
The Race for the Covid Pill
In March 2021, Pfizer announced it was beginning clinical trials on an oral antiviral drug to combat Covid-19. The therapeutic is a protease inhibitor that prevents the virus from replicating. Protease inhibitors are already used to combat other diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C. This SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus) drug, if/when it becomes available, would be taken orally at the first sign of infection to help fight off the virus and prevent hospitalization. Pfizer's pill may be available later this year.
Meanwhile, Merck has been on a quest for a Covid-19 antiviral drug as well. Merck signed a $1.2 billion agreement with the U.S. government to be the provider of their drug, Molnupiravir, should it be cleared for human use. During phase 2a trials, the drug's efficacy looked promising. Merck's antiviral may also be cleared later this year, potentially putting two Covid-19 therapeutic drugs on the market.
Recently, the Japanese company, Shionogi, jumped into the race. Shionogi helped develop Crestor, the groundbreaking drug to help cholesterol. Unlike Pfizer's drug which would be taken twice per day if approved, Shionogi's drug would only be taken once per day. Shionogi’s CEO, Isao Teshirogi, stated “Our target is a very safe oral compound, like Tamiflu, like Xofluza," both of which are used to treat influenza.
The goal of all three companies is the same: develop a drug that can be taken at home to fight Covid-19. Vaccination rates continue to rise in the U.S. and around the world, but many cannot take the vaccine or do not want to take the vaccine. Also, even some who are vaccinated are catching Covid. Having an effective antiviral on the marketplace would be a game-changer.
Delta Continues to Make Headlines
While vaccinations are on the rise, Covid infections from delta continue to rise as well. Many Olympic athletes are testing positive for Covid in Japan. Residents of Japan are wary about the 2021 Olympics, fearing that it will bring a spike in cases to their country. Currently, 23% of Japanese residents are fully vaccinated. Olympians and staff from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea are among those that have tested positive for Covid.
Weeks ago, it was predicted that delta could become the dominant variant in the United States. That reality has come true. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), delta now makes up approximately 83% of all Covid cases in the United States. Delta accounts for more than half of Covid cases in Germany, France, Portugal, and Sweden, and about 99% of cases in the UK.
Since cases are going up around the nation and the world, restrictions are starting to come back. Los Angeles County is requiring masks indoors again. St. Louis County announced that masks will be required again starting Monday, July 26th, for all indoor public venues. The State Department is no longer allowing travel to or from the UK due to the increase in cases.
Latest U.S. Numbers
Over the last two weeks, there has been a 172% increase in cases, a 57% increase in the number of hospitalizations, and 19% increase in deaths. The delta variant is now responsible for 83% of new Covid cases.
Several areas in the U.S. continue to have hot spots. Arkansas's cases have increased 141% over the last 14 days with 56 cases per 100,000. Louisiana's cases have increased 238% over the last 14 days with 52 cases per 100,000. Florida's cases have risen by 208% with 49 cases per 100,000.
The CDC estimates that 163 million Americans have been fully vaccinated. This accounts for 49% of the total population and 60% of people 18 and over. 56% of the total population (69% 18 and over) have received at least one dose.
Latest Worldwide Covid Numbers
The number of Covid cases is increasing around the world as well. The number of cases has increased by 23% over the last 14 days and deaths have increased by 25%.
Countries around the world are continuing to have spikes in cases. Countries with the highest per capita cases are the Isle of Man with 285 cases per 100,000 (and a 14-day increase of over 3,000%), British Virgin Islands with 174 cases per 100,000, and the Channel Islands with 152 cases per 100,000.
If you are traveling anytime soon, be sure to check out the appropriate travel requirements. We track each country's testing and vaccination requirements for you, so you don't have to.
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