Blue California Expands Natural Flavor and Fragrance Portfolio with Production of Clean, Natural, and Sustainable Nerolidol

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue California announced the expansion of its natural flavor and fragrance portfolio of captive ingredients by producing a clean, sustainable nerolidol.

Nerolidol is a rare sesquiterpene alcohol ubiquitous in nature and found in many flowers and plants, particularly in Seville orange flower, also known as Neroli, which gives the aroma chemical its name.

It is recognized for its floral, woody aroma and can also be described as a fresh scent, blending well with citrus, apple, or rose but light enough to complement any type of scent or flavor. Nerolidol is therefore ideal for use in many applications and known for its relaxing effects.

Many brands looking to make products at a large scale using nerolidol find it to be cost-prohibitive and, for that reason, it hasn’t been widely used in modern-day product applications.

Yet, consumers seek clean-label fragrance products that are easy on the planet and fit into the clean and conscious fragrance and beauty movement. The Innova Beauty & Personal Care Survey 2020 notes that 51% of global consumers indicate that natural ingredients are very or extremely important to them when purchasing fragrances.

“Biotechnology is opening doors to sustainable ingredients that weren’t previously possible,” said Kathy Oglesby, head of flavors and fragrances at Blue California. “Our collaboration with innovation partner Conagen provides efficient and effective commercialization, leading us to deliver to our client-creators a full range of captive ingredients, trademarked Plantarôme,™ for use in our flavors and fragrances.”

Nerolidol is first in a full range of natural ingredients in the 2022 pipeline of Blue California’s Taste, Smell, and Beauty Division. Conagen develops one of the most high-yielding fermentation platforms for producing sesquiterpenes and lactones.

With its functional advantages in many industries due to its moderate polarity and optical activity, nerolidol is also a useful, sustainable fine chemical intermediate.

“Nerolidol is a foundational material with many uses in many markets. Plantarôme™ S is a sandalwood type material, and Plantarôme™ M, which is a natural musk, are both creating a lot of excitement in the marketplace,” said Oglesby.

Until now, synthetic musk was primarily used in the fragrance industry because traditional musk sources were wild plants, too rare to be useful, or wild animals, like musk deer and civet cats, too endangered to be ethical. Conagen and Blue California have teamed together to develop a modern, one-of-a-kind, natural, domestic plant-derived musk that is safe, versatile, and biodegradable.

“The launch of nerolidol is symbolic of the collaboration between Blue California and Conagen as we advance in the markets we can serve,” said Casey Lippmeier, Ph.D. vice president of innovation at Conagen. “Together, we are revolutionizing the flavor and fragrance ingredient industry with our disruptive capabilities for producing clean, sustainable solutions and product applications.”

About Blue California

Blue California is an entrepreneurial, science-based solutions provider and manufacturer of clean, natural, and sustainable ingredients used in food, beverage, flavor, fragrance, dietary supplements, personal care, and cosmetic products. For more than 25 years, Blue California has built a strong reputation for creating value in these diverse natural products and nature-inspired industries. www.bluecal-ingredients.com

About Conagen

Conagen is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing affiliates. Our scientists and engineers use the latest synthetic biology tools to develop high-quality, sustainable, nature-based products by precision fermentation and enzymatic bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. www.conagen.com

Attachments

Ana Arakelian
Blue California
+1-949-635-1991
ana@bluecal-ingredients.com

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group Becomes Ambassador Member of California Fuel Cell Partnership

TEMECULA, Calif., Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (Group), a subsidiary of Nikkiso Co., Ltd (Japan), is proud to announce they have joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) as an Ambassador.

The association is driving to establish 200 hydrogen fueling stations by 2025 for a sustainable future for zero emission cars, trucks and buses. Joining the CaFCP is part of the Group’s commitment to leading the change to a healthier world. Furthermore, the Group is expanding their global operations, opening a new engineering and service facility in Houston and Korea this year, and a new center in Germany in 2022.

“We are excited to be part of CaFCP to provide clean energy alternatives and look forward to collaborate with other CaFCP members in the fuel cell hydrogen fuel market,” according to Peter Wagner, CEO, Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group.

There are several new hydrogen products under development, such as the first mobile Hydrogen refueler pumps, high capacity / high pressure reciprocating hydrogen pumps and containerized liquid hydrogen re-fueling stations. This is in addition to their ability to provide engineering, procurement, and full turnkey projects.

ABOUT CRYOGENIC INDUSTRIES
Cryogenic Industries, Inc. (now a member of Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) member companies manufacture engineered cryogenic gas processing equipment and small-scale process plants for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), well services and industrial gas industries. Founded over 50 years ago, Cryogenic Industries is the parent company of ACD, Cosmodyne and Cryoquip and a commonly controlled group of approximately 20 operating entities.

For more information, please visit www.nikkisoCEIG.com and www.nikkiso.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anna Quigley
+1.951.383.3314
aquigley@cryoind.com

Adagio Therapeutics annonce une réduction de l’activité neutralisante in vitro de l’ADG20 contre le variant Omicron du virus SARS-CoV-2

Les données in vitro précédemment rapportées démontrant que les mutations Omicron individuelles n’étaient pas associées à l’échappement de l’ADG20 ne se traduisent pas par des essais Omicron sur des souches authentiques et des pseudovirus

WALTHAM, Mass., 14 déc. 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adagio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq : ADGI), une société biopharmaceutique au stade clinique axée sur la découverte, le développement et la commercialisation de solutions à base d’anticorps pour les maladies infectieuses présentant un potentiel pandémique, a fait aujourd’hui le point suite à des analyses in vitro externes visant à évaluer l’activité neutralisante de l’ADG20 contre le variant Omicron du SARS-CoV-2. Les données in vitro générées par le biais de tests effectués à la fois sur des souches authentiques et des pseudovirus du variant Omicron montrent une réduction de plus de 300 fois de l’activité neutralisante de l’ADG20 contre Omicron. Des analyses supplémentaires sont en cours, et la société prévoit de collaborer avec les agences gouvernementales et de réglementation afin d’évaluer le rôle que l’ADG20 peut jouer dans la prévention et le traitement de la COVID-19, en particulier alors que se développe la compréhension du secteur quant à l’épidémiologie et l’impact d’Omicron et des nouveaux variants potentiels.

« En raison de la nature hautement conservée et immunorécessive de l’épitope reconnu par l’ADG20, nous prévoyons que l’ADG20 devrait conserver son activité neutralisante contre Omicron, conformément à l’activité observée dans les modèles in vitro avec tous les autres variants préoccupants connus », a déclaré Tillman Gerngross, Ph.D., président-directeur général d’Adagio. « Bien que les mutations individuelles au niveau du domaine de fixation au récepteur Omicron n’aient pas été associées à un échappement de l’ADG20 dans le contexte d’une souche originale du virus, de nouvelles données montrent que la combinaison des mutations présentes dans la protéine Spike d’Omicron a entraîné une réduction de la neutralisation de l’ADG20 non suggérée par des données antérieures. La prévalence continue du variant Delta aux États-Unis et dans d’autres pays, l’évolution des variants du SARS-CoV-2 et les futurs coronavirus potentiels impliquent la nécessité d’une multitude de traitements et d’approches. Grâce à une équipe d’experts déterminés à faire progresser les solutions d’anticorps qui luttent contre cette pandémie sans précédent et à un bilan solide, nous menons des analyses supplémentaires afin d’évaluer la voie optimale à suivre avec l’ADG20 en tant qu’option prophylactique et de traitement de la COVID-19. »

L’ADG20 est un produit candidat expérimental à base d’anticorps monoclonal (mAb) conçu pour fournir une activité neutralisante large et puissante contre le SARS-CoV-2, y compris les variants préoccupants, pour la prévention et le traitement de la COVID-19 avec une durée potentielle de protection pouvant aller jusqu’à un an avec une seule injection. Dans les études in vitro précédemment divulguées, l’ADG20 a conservé son activité par rapport aux variants préoccupants antérieurs, y compris Alpha, Bêta, Delta et Gamma. Par ailleurs, de nouvelles données in vitro ont démontré une activité neutralisante conservée de l’ADG20 contre un panel diversifié de variants circulants du SARS-CoV-2, y compris les variants Lambda, Mu et Delta plus. L’innocuité et l’efficacité de l’ADG20 n’ont pas été établies, et aucun pays n’a autorisé ni approuvé l’utilisation de l’ADG20.

Adagio évalue actuellement l’ADG20 dans le cadre d’essais cliniques mondiaux de phase 2/3 à la fois pour la prévention et le traitement de la COVID-19. Sur la base des résultats in vitro liés à Omicron, Adagio prévoit de suspendre le recrutement des patients dans son essai de phase 2/3 sur le traitement de la COVID-19 dans des sites cliniques en Afrique du Sud, où Omicron a émergé en tant que variant dominant. Adagio est en train d’évaluer les prochaines étapes de son programme ADG20.

Des analyses in vitro ont également été menées sur l’ADG10, un deuxième mAb en développement, qui ont montré une activité neutralisante minimale contre le variant Omicron dans les essais de neutralisation des souches authentiques et des pseudovirus.

À propos d’Adagio Therapeutics
Adagio (Nasdaq : ADGI) est une société biopharmaceutique au stade clinique axée sur la découverte, le développement et la commercialisation de solutions à base d’anticorps pour les maladies infectieuses présentant un potentiel pandémique, y compris la COVID-19 et la grippe. Le portefeuille d’anticorps de la société a été optimisé grâce aux capacités de pointe d’Adimab en matière d’ingénierie d’anticorps et est conçu pour fournir aux patients et aux cliniciens une combinaison potentielle inégalée de puissance, d’ampleur, de protection durable (grâce à l’extension de la demi-vie), de faisabilité de fabrication et de prix abordable. Le portefeuille d’anticorps contre le SARS-CoV-2 d’Adagio comprend plusieurs anticorps fortement neutralisants non concurrents dotés d’épitopes de liaison distincts, dirigés par l’ADG20. Adagio a conclu avec des sous-traitants tiers un contrat portant sur des capacités de fabrication pour la production de l’ADG20 afin de soutenir l’achèvement des essais cliniques et le lancement commercial initial, garantissant ainsi une large accessibilité potentielle aux populations du monde entier. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur notre site www.adagiotx.com.

Énoncés prospectifs
Le présent communiqué de presse contient des énoncés prospectifs au sens de la loi Private Securities Litigation Reform (Réforme sur la résolution des litiges portant sur des titres privés) de 1995. Des mots tels que « anticipe », « croit », « s’attend à », « a l’intention de », « prévoit » et « à l’avenir » ou des expressions similaires sont destinés à identifier des énoncés prospectifs. Les énoncés prospectifs comprennent les énoncés concernant, entre autres choses, le calendrier, les progrès et les résultats de nos études précliniques et des essais cliniques sur l’ADG20, y compris le calendrier des futures mises à jour du programme et le lancement, la modification et l’achèvement des études ou des essais et travaux préparatoires connexes, la période au cours de laquelle les résultats des essais seront disponibles et nos programmes de recherche et développement ; les analyses supplémentaires et en cours pour évaluer l’activité de l’ADG20 par rapport au variant Omicron et le potentiel de l’ADG20 à jouer un rôle à la fois en tant qu’option prophylactique et option de traitement pour la COVID-19 ; le profil risque/bénéfice de nos produits candidats pour les patients ; et l’adéquation de notre trésorerie, équivalents de trésorerie et titres négociables. Il se peut que nous ne soyons effectivement pas en mesure d’atteindre les plans, les intentions ou les attentes divulgués dans nos énoncés prospectifs, et vous ne devez pas vous fier indûment à nos énoncés prospectifs. Ces énoncés prospectifs impliquent des risques et des incertitudes qui pourraient amener nos résultats réels à différer sensiblement des résultats décrits ou sous-entendus par les énoncés prospectifs, y compris, sans limitation, les impacts de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur nos activités, essais cliniques et situation financière, les données d’innocuité ou d’efficacité inattendues observées lors d’études précliniques ou d’essais cliniques, les taux d’activation ou de recrutement de site d’essai clinique qui sont inférieurs aux prévisions, l’évolution de la concurrence attendue ou existante, les changements dans l’environnement réglementaire, et les incertitudes et le calendrier du processus d’approbation réglementaire. D’autres facteurs pouvant causer une différence matérielle entre nos résultats réels et ceux exprimés ou sous-entendus dans les énoncés prospectifs de ce communiqué de presse sont décrits sous la rubrique « Risk Factors » (Facteurs de risque) du rapport trimestriel d’Adagio sur le formulaire 10-Q pour le trimestre clos le 30 septembre 2021 et dans les futurs rapports qu’Adagio déposera auprès de la SEC. De tels risques peuvent être amplifiés par les impacts de la pandémie de COVID-19. Les énoncés prospectifs contenus dans le présent communiqué de presse sont formulés à cette date, et Adagio décline toute obligation de mettre à jour ces informations sauf si la loi en vigueur l’exige.

Contacts:
Media Contact: Investor Contact:
Dan Budwick, 1AB Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
Dan@1abmedia.com monique@thrustsc.com

Casio to Release G-SHOCK Collaboration Models with the TV documentary series Matchday: Inside FC Barcelona

TOKYO, Dec. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the latest additions to its G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The GBD-H1000BAR and GBD-100BAR are collaboration models celebrating Matchday: Inside FC Barcelona, a documentary featuring the inner world of the famed Spanish football club.

GBD-H1000BAR (left), GBD-100BAR (right)

The base models for the two new watches are the GBD-H1000 and GBD-100, both from the G-SQUAD line. The new models employ the blue and garnet team colors of FC Barcelona. The bands, designed to evoke past and present team uniforms, are imprinted with the club motto, “Més que un club” (“More than a club”) in the local Catalan language. The GBD-H1000BAR features a metal bezel in bright gold ion plating that shines like a winners’ trophy cup, while the band loop on both watches features the four red stripes of the Catalan flag. Specially designed packaging also in FC Barcelona team colors is a final touch worthy of these singular timepieces.

GBD-H1000BAR / GBD-100BAR

Both new watches are equipped with an accelerometer to count steps and track distances. The GBD-H1000BAR also comes with a heart rate monitor and GPS tracking. Both new models also offer mobile link functions which, when paired with a dedicated smartphone app, support daily health management by allowing users to check life logs with data on step counts and calories burned, activity logs, and more. The Memory in Pixel (MIP) LCD display for exceptional visibility and the soft urethane band for outstanding ventilation and flexibility deliver comfort in every situation, from everyday use to hard workouts.

Special packaging (GBD-H1000BAR [left]; GBD-100BAR [right])

Matchday: Inside FC Barcelona

An eight-episode documentary series focusing on the 2018–2019 season of one the world’s most adored football clubs. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, the series offers insight into the players, philosophy and culture of FC Barcelona.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1708036/image_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1708149/image_2.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1708038/image_3.jpg

Adagio Therapeutics Relata Redução na Atividade Neutralizante In Vitro do ADG20 Contra a Variante Omicron SARS-CoV-2

Dados in vitro relatados anteriormente que demonstram que as mutações individuais do Omicron não estavam associadas à fuga de ADG20 não se confirmam nos ensaios autênticos de Omicron e de Pseudovírus

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: ADGI) uma empresa biofarmacêutica de estágio clínico focada na descoberta, desenvolvimento e comercialização de soluções com base em anticorpos para combate de doenças infecciosas com potencial pandêmico, divulgou novas informações após uma análise in vitro externa da atividade neutralizante do ADG20 da variante Omicron SARS-CoV-2. Os dados in vitro gerados através de testes autênticos e de pseudovírus da variante Omicron mostram uma redução de mais de 300 vezes na atividade neutralizante do ADG20 do Omicron. Análises adicionais estão sendo realizadas e a empresa pretende se envolver com agências reguladoras e governamentais para avaliar o papel que o ADG20 pode desempenhar na prevenção e tratamento da COVID-19, particularmente diante de mais compreensão por parte da indústria quanto à epidemiologia e o impacto doa Omicron e de possíveis novas variantes.

“Devido à natureza altamente conservada e imunorecessiva do epítopo reconhecido pelo ADG20, previmos que o ADG20 reteria a atividade neutralizante do Omicron, de acordo com a atividade observada em modelos in vitro com todas as outras variantes preocupantes conhecidas”, disse Tillman Gerngross, Ph.D., diretor executivo da Adagio. “Embora as mutações individuais presentes no domínio de ligação ao receptor Omicron não tenham sido associadas à fuga do ADG20 no contexto de uma cepa original do vírus, novos dados mostram que a combinação de mutações presentes na proteína de pico do Omicron levou a uma redução na neutralização do ADG20 não indicada pelos dados anteriores. A prevalência contínua da variante Delta nos EUA e em outros países, a evolução das variantes do SARS-CoV-2 e o potencial futuro coronavírus fazem necessárias uma infinidade de terapias e abordagens. Com uma equipe de especialistas comprometida com o avanço das soluções de anticorpos que combatem essa pandemia sem precedentes e um forte balanço patrimonial, estamos realizando análises adicionais para avaliar o caminho ideal a seguir com o ADG20 como uma opção profilática e de tratamento para a COVID-19.”

O ADG20 é um candidato a produto de anticorpo monoclonal (mAb) investigacional criado para fornecer atividade neutralizante ampla e potente do SARS-CoV-2, incluindo das variantes preocupantes, para a prevenção e tratamento da COVID-19. Em estudos in vitro divulgados anteriormente, o ADG20 manteve a atividade contra variantes preocupantes anteriores, incluindo Alfa, Beta, Delta e Gama. Recentes dados in vitro demonstraram a atividade neutralizante retida do ADG20 contra um painel diversificado de variantes circulantes de SARS-CoV-2, incluindo as recém-surgidas variantes Lambda, Mu e Delta plus. A segurança e a eficácia do ADG20 não foram estabelecidas e o ADG20 não está autorizado ou aprovado para uso em nenhum país.

A Adagio está avaliando o ADG20 em estudos clínicos globais de Fase 2/3 para a prevenção e tratamento da COVID-19. Com base nos resultados in vitro relacionadas ao Omicron, a Adagio pretende interromper o recrutamento de pacientes para o seu estudo de tratamento de Fase 2/3 COVID-19 em locais clínicos na África do Sul, onde o Omicron emergiu como a variante dominante. A Adagio está avaliando os próximos passos para seu programa ADG20.

Análises in vitro também foram conduzidas com o ADG10, um segundo mAb em desenvolvimento, que demonstrou atividade neutralizante mínima da variante Omicron em ensaios de neutralização autênticos e de pseudovírus.

Sobre a Adagio Therapeutics
A Adagio (Nasdaq: ADGI) é uma empresa biofarmacêutica de estágio clínico focada na descoberta, desenvolvimento e comercialização de soluções com base em anticorpos para o tratamento de doenças infecciosas com potencial pandêmico, inclusive COVID-19 e gripe. O portfólio de anticorpos da empresa foi otimizado com os recursos de engenharia de anticorpos líderes da indústria da Adimab, e foi criado para fornecer aos pacientes e médicos o potencial para uma combinação de potência, amplitude, proteção durável (via extensão de meia-vida), capacidade de fabricação e acessibilidade. O portfólio de anticorpos contra SARS-CoV-2 da Adagio inclui múltiplos anticorpos amplamente neutralizantes não competitivos com epítopos de ligação distintos, liderados por ADG20. A Adagio adquiriu a capacidade de fabricação para a produção do ADG20 com fabricantes terceirizados para apoiar a conclusão de ensaios clínicos e lançamento comercial inicial, garantindo o potencial para o amplo acesso para as pessoas em todo o mundo. Para mais informação, visite www.adagiotx.com.

Declarações de Previsão
Este comunicado para a imprensa contém declarações consideradas declarações de previsão de acordo com o Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Palavras como “antecipa”, “acredita”, “espera”, “pretende”, “projeta”, e “futura”, e expressões similares são usadas para identificar declarações de previsão. As declarações de previsão incluem declarações sobre, entre outras coisas, a ocasião, progresso e resultados dos nossos estudos pré-clínicos e ensaios clínicos do ADG20, incluindo a ocasião das atualizações futuras do programa e a iniciação, modificação e conclusão de estudos ou ensaios e trabalhos preparatórios relacionados, o período durante o qual os resultados dos ensaios estarão disponíveis, e nossos programas de pesquisa e desenvolvimento; as análises adicionais e contínuas para avaliar a atividade do ADG20 contra a variante Omicron e o potencial do ADG20 de desempenhar um papel como uma opção profilática e de tratamento para a COVID-19; o perfil de risco/benefício dos nossos candidatos a produtos para os pacientes; e a adequação do nosso caixa, equivalentes de caixa e valores mobiliários negociáveis. Podemos não atingir os planos, intenções ou expectativas mencionadas nas nossas declarações de previsão, e você não deve depositar confiança indevida nas nossas declarações de previsão. Essas declarações de previsão envolvem riscos e incertezas que podem fazer com que nossos resultados reais sejam substancialmente diferentes dos resultados descritos ou implícitos nas declarações de previsão, incluindo, sem limitação, os impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 nos nossos negócios, ensaios clínicos e posição financeira, dados inesperados de segurança ou eficácia observados durante estudos pré-clínicos ou ensaios clínicos, taxas de ativação ou inscrição no local de ensaios clínicos inferiores ao esperado, mudanças na concorrência esperada ou existente, mudanças no ambiente regulatório e as incertezas e o momento do processo de aprovação regulatória. Outros fatores que podem fazer com que nossos resultados reais sejam substancialmente diferentes dos resultados descritos ou implícitos nas declarações de previsão neste comunicado para a imprensa, descritos no título “Fatores de Risco” no prospecto da Adagio arquivado na Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (“SEC”) no Formulário 10-Q do trimestre encerrado em 30 de setembro de 2021, e nos relatórios futuros da Adagio a serem arquivados no SEC. Tais riscos podem ser amplificados pelos impactos da pandemia de COVID-19. As declarações de previsão contidas neste comunicado para a imprensa são válidas a partir desta data, e a Adagio não se compromete a atualizar essas informações, exceto se exigido por lei.

Contatos:
Contato com a Mídia: Contato com o Investidor:
Dan Budwick, 1AB Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
Dan@1abmedia.com monique@thrustsc.com

Stay Calm, Don’t Panic, Says South African Doctor

The head of the South African Medical Association says there is a major difference between the delta and omicron variants of the coronavirus and warns politicians against hyping the threat from the new strain.

Dr. Angelique Coetzee criticized Tuesday what she described as the “over-reaction” to the heavily mutated omicron variant by some European governments and cited Britain’s Boris Johnson, who she accused of creating “hysteria” about the new strain.

On Tuesday, the House of Commons approved the reimposition of pandemic restrictions, and the introduction of some new ones, because of rising omicron cases in the country, although Johnson faced a major rebellion by a third of his parliamentary party and relied on opposition parties for the vote.

Coetzee was one of the first medical practitioners in the world to raise the alarm about the new variant. Its genomic data was sequenced last month by scientists in Hong Kong, Botswana as well as South Africa. The emergence has contributed to pandemic alarm in Europe, where governments are already battling the delta strain and are racing to reimpose restrictions.

Coetzee told Britain’s Sky News that delta was heart-breaking and that her patients who contracted it were “extremely, extremely sick” and when opening the door to them “you just knew they were in trouble,” she explained.

But nearly a month into the omicron wave in South Africa, she says she has not seen similar grim scenes and that her omicron patients are suffering much milder symptoms. Apart from one, who had HIV and other comorbidities, none have died.

The British government’s medical advisers are predicting one million omicron infections by the end of the month, and although South Africa is seeing tens of thousands of new cases daily.

Coetzee cautions calm, saying Britain and other European countries are much better vaccinated than South Africa and in a better position to battle it. “Even if you get breakthrough infections, it’s mild cases,” she added, saying she understands the need to take precautionary measures but says, “don’t hype it up.”

Some scientists disagree with Coetzee.

The chief executive of Britain’s Health Security Agency told lawmakers Wednesday that omicron “is probably the most significant threat since the start of the pandemic.”

Dr. Jenny Harries said the new variant was much more transmissible than delta and the rapid spread of omicron would lead to a “staggering” number of COVID cases over the next few days. She delivered a series of dire warnings about the country’s health care system, although she added it was probably too early to tell how serious the scale of increasing infections across the world would turn out to be.

“The difficulty is that the growth of this virus, it has a doubling time which is shortening, i.e., it’s doubling faster, growing faster,” she said.

Governments across Europe are closely observing events unfolding in Britain for a sense of what may lie ahead for them as omicron spreads, and they are worried that reinfection rates from omicron are much higher than has been seen with earlier variants.

Restrictions and penalties

More countries are adopting restrictions. Italy this week required negative tests from vaccinated visitors to the country. Portugal has a similar measure in place. Many European countries have a virtual lockdown for the unvaccinated and are scrambling to increase vaccine booster programs. And more governments, including Germany’s, are proposing or considering mandatory vaccines.

Austria and Italy already plan to impose hefty fines on eligible people who do not get vaccinated.

People over 65 years old in France will be under effective lockdown from Wednesday, if they have not received a third vaccine booster dose.

France’s health pass will no longer be valid for the elderly who have not received a third dose, barring those who have not been boosted from visiting restaurants or cafes or taking intercity trains. They will also be prohibited from visiting cultural venues like cinemas or museums.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Wednesday the European Union faces a double challenge, with a massive increase of delta cases in recent weeks and the threat of omicron looming. “We’re seeing an increasing number of people falling ill, a greater burden on hospitals and unfortunately, an increase in the number of deaths,” she told European Parliament lawmakers.

“And what I’m concerned about is that we now [are] seeing the new variant omicron on the horizon, which is apparently even more infectious,” she added.

But as governments go into overdrive, some epidemiologists and virologists are echoing Angelique Coetzee. Professor Tim Spector, the head of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College, London, says the “majority of symptoms are just like a common cold, so we’re talking about headaches, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and things like sneezing.” He added: “So, things like fever and cough and loss of smell are now actually in the minority of the symptoms that we’re seeing.”

Earlier this week, the first major study published into the new variant also suggested illness from omicron is less severe than from delta. The study of 78,000 omicron cases in South Africa found the risk of hospitalization is 29% lower compared with the Wuhan strain, and 23% lower than with delta. Far fewer people have been needing intensive care. Just 5% of omicron cases have been admitted to intensive care units compared to 22% of delta patients, the study shows.

The data for the study was compiled by Discovery Health, South Africa’s largest private health insurer, and the South Africa Medical Research Council. It noted omicron can evade vaccines more than earlier strains, but the study found vaccines are still holding up well, although there were high numbers of breakthrough infections in people who had been vaccinated.

Vaccine effectiveness against infection dropped from 80% to 33%, according to the study, but offered 70% protection against hospital admission. Boosters may also mitigate the reduction in vaccine effectiveness, according to the study. Some European scientists have cautioned, though, against reading too much into the South African study, saying that South Africa’s population is much younger and that demographic differences could alter medical outcomes.

Source: Voice of America