Posts by vgn1
GVN Statement on Pfizer and BioNTech Data from COVID-19 Vaccine Study
Baltimore, Maryland, USA, July 23, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world’s preeminent human and animal virologists from 57 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 33 countries, said today that the results of the Phase 3 study by Pfizer and BioNTech on their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, represents a…
Read MoreHerd Immunity – Can We Get There?
The concept of herd immunity is frequently brought up as an alternative to lockdown and intervention-based strategies for curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, this sensitive issue being much influenced by policy makers. In this context it is important to first define herd immunity. This is obtained when enough of the population has immunity to an infectious…
Read MoreHow Long Is A SARS-CoV-2 Infected Person Contagious?
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the global community has become accustomed to comprehensive, interventional strategies such as wearing a mask, social distancing, hand hygiene, and surface cleaning and disinfection. It is well known that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct, indirect, or close contact with infected people through infectious secretions, such as saliva and…
Read MoreEffect of Suppressed Innate Immunity on Covid-19 Severity
One of the important determinants of severe Covid-19 appears to be an inappropriate response by the innate immune system. Specifically, this involves, on the one hand, insufficient or delayed expression and signaling by type 1 interferons (IFNs), which induce innate cell-mediated immunity. The interferon (IFN) response constitutes the major first line of defense against viruses.…
Read MoreTransmission Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2: Superspreaders and Superspreading Events
The concept of Superspreaders and Superspreading events has recently attracted a lot of attention. In fact it is important to understand that most of SARS-CoV-2 infected persons are in fact not contagious! Thus, transmission is really dependent on a handful of individuals we call Superspreaders who nurture Superspreading events. Let’s distinguish between Superspreaders and Superspreading…
Read MoreGVN 2020 Special Annual Meeting Executive Summary
A New Era in the Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic: Forging a “Viral Pandemic Readiness Alliance” A September 22-23, 2020 Special Meeting of Top Global Experts Launches “Global Virus Network’s Vision for Future Pandemic Preparedness” We are in the midst of a pandemic that has completely upended the world with major economic, social and psychological impacts.…
Read MoreGVN’s Top Virus Experts Meet Together To Identify Most Promising Advances To Battle COVID-19 & Strategies To Prepare For Future Pandemics
Rapid Diagnostic Testing, Repurposing Drug Therapies and Vaccines Targeting Innate Immunity, Are Integral Factors in Mitigating COVID-19 Baltimore, Maryland, USA, September 30, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of the world’s leading medical and basic virology research centers working to prevent illness and death from viral disease, convened a press conference with attendees…
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network International Press Conference September 24, 2020
GVN 2020 Meeting Press Release GVN 2020 Special Annual Meeting Executive Summary
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network (GVN) Presents Doherty Institute Director, University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin with the Robert C. Gallo Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadership in Medical Virology
Baltimore, Maryland, USA, September 22, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), comprising foremost experts around the world in every class of virus-causing disease in humans and some animals, today presented Doherty Institute Director, University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin with the Robert C. Gallo Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadership in Medical Virology Presented today…
Read MoreCurrent Status of COVID-19 Vaccine Development
As the COVID-19 pandemic expands, interests in the progress of vaccine development are intensifying. Despite an unprecedented rate of progress, it is still uncertain when a safe, effective vaccine will be available for wide distribution to the public. Successful vaccine development goes through a series of stages, from animal studies for the evaluation of its…
Read More