New types of COVID vaccines and alternative therapies

It's only a matter of time before Cyprus finalizes orders of new COVID vaccines and therapies.  According to Dr. Elena Panagiotopoulou, Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health, Cyprus is in the process of procuring other types of vaccines to supplement its current supply.

Ms. Panagiotopoulou stated that there is intense mobility in the acquisition of vaccines, but also in therapeutic approaches, noting that "we are close to licensing vaccines and it is expected that their supplies will begin soon".

Valneva vaccine licensing expected in December

The Valneva vaccine, which is more of a  traditional form of mRNA vaccine or adenovirus vaccine, is expected to be licensed in December 2021.  The drug is somewhat similar to technology used by Chinese vaccine companies Sinopharm and Sinovac.

COVID pill by MSD to be evaluated on October 31

The COVID-19 pill created by Merck (MSD) is expected to be evaluated by October 31st.  The anti-viral pill is expected to have a huge impact in the fight against the coronavirus due to its therapeutic properties.  And could be an alternative especially for people who have other underlying issues and where vaccines may not be as effective.

Moreover, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has begun evaluating an application to extend the use of BioNTech/Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine to children aged 5 to 11 years.  The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) also began a review of Evusheld (also known as AZD7442), a combination of two monoclonal antibodies (tixagevimab and cilgavimab), developed by AstraZeneca AB, for the prevention of COVID-19 in adults.

Ronapreve

Another drug being evaluated by the EMA called Ronapreve is intended for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who do not require adjunctive oxygen therapy and who are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19.  It is also used in the prevention of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Ms. Panagiotopoulou stated that Cyprus will not be deprived of a timely supply of COVID vaccines and therapies, noting that Cyprus "participates in direct procurement procedures with the EU and as soon as they are licensed and supplied to Europe, Cyprus will immediately receive the necessary quantity".