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First case of drug resistant Omicron BQ.1 sub-variant found in Thailand

13 Sept 15:23 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Centre for Medical Genomics confirmed the nation's first case of the Omicron BQ.1 sub-variant, a descendant of BA.5.
BQ.1 and its close relative BQ.1.1 are concerning as they demonstrate resistance to current antibody treatments like Evusheld and Bebtelovimab, and can evade antibodies from prior infection or vaccination.
These sub-variants spread rapidly, with BQ.1 being 15% faster than BA.5.2, raising concerns they could become the dominant strain by year-end or next year.
While BA.5-specific vaccines may offer some protection, new second-generation medication cocktails might be essential to effectively counter these highly resistant strains.

Today 09:24 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand secured a US$200 million loan from the World Bank to significantly invest in clean energy and low-carbon urban development initiatives.
The program aims to drive clean energy funding and low-carbon growth, ensuring a just transition for small and medium-sized enterprises, workers, farmers, and local communities.
Channelled through the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, the loan will fund energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings and industrial areas, including rooftop solar installations and electrical system modernizations, reducing initial capital burdens via Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).