New COVID-19 Variants Immune to Antibody Treatments are Now the Dominant Strain in the US
New omicron sub-variants, called BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, now account for 57% of new infections in the U.S. These sub-variants are resistant to life-saving antibody treatments such as bebtelovimab and Evusheld. Monoclonal antibodies have been a lifeline for COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems, such as people who receive organ transplants or chemotherapy. There are currently no alternatives to these medications, putting immunocompromised people at even greater risk of serious complications and death. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, explained that, with the rise of these new sub-variants, the new omicron boosters likely won’t be as protective against milder illness. However, he emphasized that the boosters should still be effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization.
Full Story: CNBC