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In this regular feature on Breakthroughs, we highlight some of the most interesting reads in global health research from the past week.

September 11, 2023 by Hannah Sachs-Wetstone

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) clearance to the BD Respiratory Viral Panel, an automated, multiplexed, and real-time PCR test that can be used to detect COVID-19, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from only one sample, which was developed with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The panel runs on a BD system widely used by hospitals and labs across the United States that can process hundreds of samples a day and deliver results in two hours. By reducing the need for multiple tests to distinguish the cause of respiratory infections, the test will help patients receive appropriate care faster and reduce burdens on the health system, which is important as the United States faces the rising threat of these viruses over the coming months.

FDA is expected shortly to approve updated versions of the COVID-19 boosters, which although originally designed to target the XBB.1.5. omicron subvariant should still protect against the currently circulating subvariants, as cases and hospitalizations linked to the new variants rise. While it remains unclear whether the agency will grant emergency use authorizations or full approval licenses, either will trigger the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make its recommendations for who should receive the shots, allowing vaccinations to likely begin soon in the United States.

Ghana recently became the first country in Africa to manufacture a cholera vaccine. The private-sector pharmaceutical consortium DEK Vaccines Limited produced the vaccine, as well as six others, including against malaria, HPV, pneumonia, and rotavirus, which are expected to be available by 2026. This was made possible through a licensing and technology transfer agreement with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Scaling up local production of vaccines is seen as an important step toward enabling Ghana, the West African region, and the continent at large to reduce the critical shortage of vaccines and reliance on foreign countries and companies and to ensure greater access to vaccines that protect against endemic diseases.

About the author

Hannah Sachs-WetstoneGHTC

Hannah supports advocacy and communications activities and member coordination for GHTC. Her role includes developing and disseminating digital communications, tracking member and policy news, engaging coalition members, and organizing meetings and events.Prior to joining GHTC,...read more about this author