Relying on Xocova alone is not enough. It should be used with other available drugs according to their characteristics to suppress a resurgence of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a fast-mutating virus. Japan is rolling out the new omicron booster shot, but the virus might still be faster.
In Japan, Daiichi Sankyo began developing an mRA vaccine about the same time as Pfizer and Moderna, but the know-how to connect this society was lacking.
Japanese drugmaker Shionogi & Co. looks to meet domestic demand, as countries worldwide scramble for supplies of Pfizer and Merck drugs.
“What we need the most is an oral drug that can be taken by anyone anywhere…and become a major weapon against COVID-19 alongside vaccines,” says Dr....
Shionogi’s plans involve regional partners and will help supply vaccine across Asia, providing a balance to China’s expansion of its “vaccine diplomacy”.
In early July, several prefectures saw the supply of vaccines distributed to them drop. Yet, on July 8, PM Suga said “there are still 40 million...
Who qualifies to get vaccinated? In principle, all members of the population over 16 are eligible.
If Japanese vaccines can be made easily transportable and available, access to vaccinations will be broadened for a greater number of people in the developing world.
The Japanese government is now tackling vaccinations from various fronts, including the possibility of enlisting pharmacists to help out in the vaccine rollout.
“If we manage to set up a system where everyone can go and get vaccinated at specific times, then I think there is no reason why...
By being slow with the rollout, Japan can receive updated vaccine formulas that are more effective against new, more infectious virus mutations as have emerged in...