06/12/2022

Transmission reduction tests in clinical trials, focus on the Pfizer COVID19 vaccine 

Summary: Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is a major goal in the management of outbreaks and pandemics. Initial Pfizer/BioNTech clinical trials did not evaluate SARS-CoV-2 transmission but followed EMA’s recommendations. Clinical trials of vaccines do not usually study transmission. Instead, the reduction of infections is employed as a standard outcome. Recently, the lack of testing for the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 transmission […]

Konstanty Cieśliński COVID19 0 4 min read
27/04/2022

How are different types of RNAs used in various applications?

Summary: RNAs are a diverse group of molecules that exist ubiquitously in nature. They may possess varying biological functions and can be utilised for varying therapeutic goals. The function of RNA is driven by its sequence. CRISPR sgRNA and mRNA vaccines consist of different sequences and act differently.  CRISPR sgRNA binds to its target genome sequence and Cas9 protein in […]

Konstanty Cieśliński CRISPR-Cas9 0 4 min read
11/11/2021

What can the latest surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections in Israel tell us about the vaccine’s effectiveness?

Summary: High numbers of infection with the Delta virus variant have been reported in Israel despite the vaccination rate of over 50%. The number of hospitalized people was smaller than in the previous wave. The vaccines are highly effective against infections and hospitalizations but the effectiveness against infection wanes over time. Since the approval of the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, multiple […]

Konstanty Cieśliński COVID19 0 4 min read
31/05/2021

The connection between AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and blood clots

Summary: Multiple countries have suspended the rollout of AstraZeneca’s vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 due to possible adverse reactions. The embolic and thrombotic events after vaccination are very rare. EMA (European Medicines Agency) safety committee has concluded that the link is possibly based on the consistency of the clinical picture. The committee has made recommendations to update the Vaxzevria side-effect information to […]

Konstanty Cieśliński COVID19 0 4 min read
25/01/2021

What is known about the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Summary: Official recommendations are not clear. A potential vaccination during  pregnancy needs to be discussed with a healthcare professional based on individual medical history and pregnancy status. Data on the impact of a vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy are very limited. The available resources do not indicate negative effects of the vaccine on the mother and child during and after […]

Konstanty Cieśliński COVID19 0 4 min read