Moderna, a prominent name in COVID-19 vaccine development, announced on Thursday that preliminary data from an initial study showed that its updated COVID-19 vaccine was effective against the "Eris" and "Fornax" sub-variants.

The company, as per a Reuters report, said that it anticipates the availability of the updated vaccine in the upcoming weeks for the fall vaccination season. However, its release hinges on approvals from health regulators across the United States, Europe, and other regions.

<h2>Tackling Eris</h2>

With this, Moderna joins other key players in the field such as Novavax, Pfizer, and BioNTech SE, who have all created versions of their vaccines to tackle the XBB.1.5 sub-variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/who-designates-new-covid-strain-eris-as-variant-of-interest-amid-surge-in-cases-globally-624194">WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases</a>

EG.5, or Eris, as per Reuters, is similar to XBB.1.5, the sub-variant nicknamed 'Kraken' and is a sub-lineage of the dreaded, still-dominant Omicron variant.

As per the latest government data, Eris accounts for more than 17 per cent of coronavirus cases in the US. Additionally, infections from Fornax or FL 1.5.1 are also spiking across the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified EG.5 as a "variant of interest." The designation indicates that compared to other sub-variants, Eris needs to be carefully monitored due to its mutations, which might contribute to making it more contagious or severe.

<h2>Other anti-Eris vaccines</h2>

Pfizer has also announced significant progress in its updated COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed in collaboration with BioNTech. In a study conducted on mice, this new version exhibited neutralising activity against the Eris sub-variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-has-entered-another-covid-wave-professor-warns-626281">England is likely in the grip of another Covid wave, UCL professor warns</a>

COVID-19-related hospitalisations in the United States have surged by more than 40 per cent from the low figures recorded in June. However, despite this spike, the current hospitalisation numbers remain over 90 per cent lower than the peak levels observed during the Omicron outbreak in January 2022.

Globally, in July, reported cases of COVID-19 rose by 80 per cent. In its last week's update, WHO reported that between July 10 to August 6, nearly 1.5 million new cases — an 80 per cent increase compared to the previous 28 days — have been reported globally. As per the health agency, in mid-July, more than 17 per cent of all reported cases were EG.5, up from 7.6 per cent a month before.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moderna, a prominent name in COVID-19 vaccine development, announced on Thursday that preliminary data from an initial study showed that its updated COVID-19 vaccine was effective against the "Eris" and "Fornax" sub-variants.

Moderna, a prominent name in COVID-19 vaccine development, announced on Thursday that preliminary data from an initial study showed that its updated COVID-19 vaccine was effective against the "Eris" and "Fornax" sub-variants. The company, as per a Reuters report, said that it anticipates the availability of the updated vaccine in the upcoming weeks for the fall vaccination season. However, its release hinges on approvals from health regulators across the United States, Europe, and other regions. Tackling Eris With this, Moderna joins other key players in the field such as Novavax, Pfizer, and BioNTech SE, who have all created versions of their vaccines to tackle the XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Also read | WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases EG.5, or Eris, as per Reuters, is similar to XBB.1.5, the sub-variant nicknamed 'Kraken' and is a sub-lineage of the dreaded, still-dominant Omicron variant. As per the latest government data, Eris accounts for more than 17 per cent of coronavirus cases in the US. Additionally, infections from Fornax or FL 1.5.1 are also spiking across the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified EG.5 as a "variant of interest." The designation indicates that compared to other sub-variants, Eris needs to be carefully monitored due to its mutations, which might contribute to making it more contagious or severe. Other anti-Eris vaccines Pfizer has also announced significant progress in its updated COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed in collaboration with BioNTech. In a study conducted on mice, this new version exhibited neutralising activity against the Eris sub-variant. Also read | England is likely in the grip of another Covid wave, UCL professor warns COVID-19-related hospitalisations in the United States have surged by more than 40 per cent from the low figures recorded in June. However, despite this spike, the current hospitalisation numbers remain over 90 per cent lower than the peak levels observed during the Omicron outbreak in January 2022. Globally, in July, reported cases of COVID-19 rose by 80 per cent. In its last week's update, WHO reported that between July 10 to August 6, nearly 1.5 million new cases — an 80 per cent increase compared to the previous 28 days — have been reported globally. As per the health agency, in mid-July, more than 17 per cent of all reported cases were EG.5, up from 7.6 per cent a month before. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine effective against emerging subvariants Eris and Fornax

A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk.&nbsp;

The variant, which is known as EG.5 or “Eris”, is connected to an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.9.2, and has been increasing its prevalence globally, and countries like the UK, China and the United States are emerging as the most affected.

However, the WHO has further stated that the variant is not posing any particular threat. “Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level,” said the agency, stating that the risk looked to be at part with other circulating variants of interest.

“While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date,” the WHO stated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-variant-eris-on-rise-in-uk-as-experts-say-country-flying-blind-on-infection-622835">Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection</a>

<h2>Variant better at evading body's immune system: WHO&nbsp;</h2>

Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, said that although the variant has been increasing in prevalence and seems to be better at evading the body's immune system which permits it to outcompete other variants, there is a lack of evidence that it can cause more severe disease.

“It will probably cause a wave of more cases and all the problems that brings – [such as] more hospitalisations and Long Covid – but [there is] no reason at the moment to think [that will be] worse than previous waves this year,” she stated.&nbsp;

Pagel stated that the waning immunity due to previous infections or vaccinations may mean that the wave of EG.5 took longer to peak and hence, it may be larger.&nbsp;

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week published an update which suggested EG.5, and more specifically its subvariant EG5.1 accounts for around 15 per cent of sequenced COVID-19 cases in England.

Deputy director of UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand, said that the new variants' emergence is not unexpected. “UKHSA continues to analyse available data relating to Sars-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. EG.5.1 was designated as a variant on 31 July 2023 due to continued growth internationally and presence in the UK, allowing us to monitor it through our routine surveillance processes," she said.

“Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come to take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible," added Chand.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: New Covid variant 'Eris' spreading across the UK

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<h2>US sees rise in EG.5 cases&nbsp;</h2>

Cases of new COVID-19 variant EG.5 are on the rise in the United States and are leading to around 17 per cent of the new coronavirus cases in the country in comparison to 16 per cent for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, as per the latest estimates presented by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, reported CNN.&nbsp;

Professor of microbiology and immunology Dr David Ho has been carrying out tests of these variants in his lab at Columbia University to understand their resistance to the antibodies&nbsp;

"Both are only slightly more resistant to neutralising antibodies in the serum of infected and vaccinated persons. It basically has some more immune escape compared to the ones that were precedents in this XBB series," stated Dr Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute. "It has an advantage, which is why it's getting legs all around the world," he added.&nbsp;

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A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk.

A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk. The variant, which is known as EG.5 or “Eris”, is connected to an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.9.2, and has been increasing its prevalence globally, and countries like the UK, China and the United States are emerging as the most affected. However, the WHO has further stated that the variant is not posing any particular threat. “Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level,” said the agency, stating that the risk looked to be at part with other circulating variants of interest. “While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date,” the WHO stated. ALSO READ | Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection Variant better at evading body's immune system: WHO Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, said that although the variant has been increasing in prevalence and seems to be better at evading the body's immune system which permits it to outcompete other variants, there is a lack of evidence that it can cause more severe disease. “It will probably cause a wave of more cases and all the problems that brings – [such as] more hospitalisations and Long Covid – but [there is] no reason at the moment to think [that will be] worse than previous waves this year,” she stated. Pagel stated that the waning immunity due to previous infections or vaccinations may mean that the wave of EG.5 took longer to peak and hence, it may be larger. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week published an update which suggested EG.5, and more specifically its subvariant EG5.1 accounts for around 15 per cent of sequenced COVID-19 cases in England. Deputy director of UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand, said that the new variants' emergence is not unexpected. “UKHSA continues to analyse available data relating to Sars-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. EG.5.1 was designated as a variant on 31 July 2023 due to continued growth internationally and presence in the UK, allowing us to monitor it through our routine surveillance processes," she said. “Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come to take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible," added Chand. WATCH | Gravitas: New Covid variant 'Eris' spreading across the UK US sees rise in EG.5 cases Cases of new COVID-19 variant EG.5 are on the rise in the United States and are leading to around 17 per cent of the new coronavirus cases in the country in comparison to 16 per cent for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, as per the latest estimates presented by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, reported CNN. Professor of microbiology and immunology Dr David Ho has been carrying out tests of these variants in his lab at Columbia University to understand their resistance to the antibodies "Both are only slightly more resistant to neutralising antibodies in the serum of infected and vaccinated persons. It basically has some more immune escape compared to the ones that were precedents in this XBB series," stated Dr Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute. "It has an advantage, which is why it's getting legs all around the world," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases

A new coronavirus variant EG.5.1, nicknamed Eris, has been spreading across the United Kingdom and has brought the country's health officers on their toes. 
 
The variant, which has descended from the rapidly spreading Omicron, was first flagged last month in the United Kingdom, reported news agency PTI. 
 
The variant Eris is found in one of the out of the seven new coronavirus cases, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). As per the latest data, the cases of the Eris variant now account for 14.6 per cent of all cases, Sky News reported. 
 
"COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. 5.4% of 4,396 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 3.7% of 4,403 from the previous report," said the UKHSA, in a report.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-focuses-on-new-vaccination-drive-as-coronavirus-wave-looms-over-nation-621926">COVID-19: China focuses on new vaccination drive as coronavirus wave looms over nation</a>

“EG.5.1 was first raised as a signal in monitoring on July 3, 2023, as part of horizon scanning due to increasing reports internationally, particularly in Asia,” it added. 
 
“It was subsequently raised from a signal in monitoring to a variant V-23JUL-01 on July 31, 2023, due to the increasing number of genomes in UK data, and continued growth internationally. Declaring this lineage as a variant will allow further detailed characterisation and analysis,” it added.

<h2>UK is almost ‘flying blind’</h2>

In the wake of increasing coronavirus cases, experts have suggested that the UK is almost “flying blind” in the case of Covid this autumn. 
 
Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, while speaking to The Guardian, said that it seems like the onset of a new wave of Covid. She added that with the autumn coming on and people going back to school and work, Covid pressures are likely to increase. 
 
“We might see the wave continue to grow, and grow faster, in September,” she stated. Pagel said that the nationwide infection survey, which was published by the Office for National Statistics for autumn and winter, should be brought back.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US authorities uncover secret 'Covid-19' lab

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“What worries me most is if we get a repeat of the last winter NHS crisis this winter again, with Covid, flu and RSV all hitting around the same time. We are definitely flying near blind,” said Pagel.

An epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh, Prof Rowland Kao, further emphasised the decline in surveillance. 
 
“With seasonal flu, we have of course a certain amount of predictability with the many years of data. However, with Covid, now that we don’t have those multiple data streams to rely on, it’s harder to say what is happening (in the general population),” he stated.

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A new coronavirus variant EG.5.1, nicknamed Eris, has been spreading across the United Kingdom and has brought the country's health officers on their toes. The variant, which has descended from the rapidly spreading Omicron, was first flagged last month in the United Kingdom, reported news agency PTI.

A new coronavirus variant EG.5.1, nicknamed Eris, has been spreading across the United Kingdom and has brought the country's health officers on their toes. The variant, which has descended from the rapidly spreading Omicron, was first flagged last month in the United Kingdom, reported news agency PTI. The variant Eris is found in one of the out of the seven new coronavirus cases, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). As per the latest data, the cases of the Eris variant now account for 14.6 per cent of all cases, Sky News reported. "COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. 5.4% of 4,396 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 3.7% of 4,403 from the previous report," said the UKHSA, in a report. ALSO READ | COVID-19: China focuses on new vaccination drive as coronavirus wave looms over nation “EG.5.1 was first raised as a signal in monitoring on July 3, 2023, as part of horizon scanning due to increasing reports internationally, particularly in Asia,” it added. “It was subsequently raised from a signal in monitoring to a variant V-23JUL-01 on July 31, 2023, due to the increasing number of genomes in UK data, and continued growth internationally. Declaring this lineage as a variant will allow further detailed characterisation and analysis,” it added. UK is almost ‘flying blind’ In the wake of increasing coronavirus cases, experts have suggested that the UK is almost “flying blind” in the case of Covid this autumn. Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, while speaking to The Guardian, said that it seems like the onset of a new wave of Covid. She added that with the autumn coming on and people going back to school and work, Covid pressures are likely to increase. “We might see the wave continue to grow, and grow faster, in September,” she stated. Pagel said that the nationwide infection survey, which was published by the Office for National Statistics for autumn and winter, should be brought back. WATCH | Gravitas: US authorities uncover secret 'Covid-19' lab “What worries me most is if we get a repeat of the last winter NHS crisis this winter again, with Covid, flu and RSV all hitting around the same time. We are definitely flying near blind,” said Pagel. An epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh, Prof Rowland Kao, further emphasised the decline in surveillance. “With seasonal flu, we have of course a certain amount of predictability with the many years of data. However, with Covid, now that we don’t have those multiple data streams to rely on, it’s harder to say what is happening (in the general population),” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection

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Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine effective against emerging subvariants Eris and Fornax

WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases

Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection