#SARSCoV2variants

[elainaledoyen]

Detection of mutations arising in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 have led to concerns that new forms of the virus might enable it to evade the protection conferred by recently approved mRNA vaccines. Two strains in particular, B.1.1.7 from England and B.1.351 from South Africa, are driving the unease. B.1.1.7, first reported in September 2020, has been shown to be more transmissible than the previous strain and is spreading globally. The South African mutant was reported in mid-December 2020 by health authorities there as becoming the chief variant, an indication of heightened transmissibility. This strain garnered additional attention because the portion of Novavax’s Phase 3 vaccine trial conducted in South Africa showed noticeably lower efficacy there than in the UK portion.