***Zika virus (Shorts and Longs) (ZIKA)***

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Zika May Cause Brain Anomalies

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Buckle Up Sanofi, Inovio, Merck; Zika May Cause Brain Anomalies
Published by Raheel Farooq on March 9, 2016 at 1:32 pm EST

The virus is becoming epidemic slowly and evolving more leading to complicated neurological diseases

Zika virus has now been declared as an Epidemic. It has become a leading cause to multiple chronic diseases for which a cure has not yet been developed. Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY), Merck & Co, Inc. (NYSE:MRK), Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:INO), and others are under a threat now as the world is in desperate need of a cure. The aforementioned companies are very diligently working on the research and development of its vaccine that can stop the invasion of the Zika virus.

The virus’ infection list is expanding geographically from Latin America to the US, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Studies proved that the virus could be a main causative agent of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) as well as brain anomalies in the newborns. The virus is also causing severe neurological ailments in adults such as paralyzing disorder.
ACUTE MY ELITIS

In the latest updates, the researchers working on the virus agreed on the conclusion that the virus can cause an inflammation of the spinal cord termed as “acute myelitis.” A French study was published in the Lancet Medical Journal, discussing a case of a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed with myelitis in January 2016.

The case was reported at Pointe-a-Pitre Hospital in Guadeloupe. The girl was affected by partial paralysis. The diagnostic tests confirmed Zika virus in the spinal fluid as well as in blood and urine.

Another case was published in relation to the French study in February 2016 providing evidence that the virus can causeGBS, a rare condition, which directly affects the human body’s immune system and specifically the portion of the nervous system controlling the muscle movement and strength. GBS is a combination of symptoms that can affect musculoskeletal system.

Myelitis is a condition affecting the limb movement resulting in muscle weakness leading to paralysis. In the chronic stages, it can be fatal as the whole body suffers from severe muscle stretching as well as spams resulting in dyspnea and might lead to the need of intubation.
HISTORY

The virus was basically a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing symptoms similar to the flu, first reported in Brazil. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared it a “global public health emergency.”

The estimates given by the WHO were alarming as per the regulatory agency it can affect more than four million people. First it was thought to be limited only in Latin America, but now it is spreading slowly. Cases are reported on a daily basis in the US as well as Asia and Africa. Along with a mosquito bite, the virus can also spread by sexual contact with the infected person.

In late February, France confirmed its first European case of Zika being transmitted through sexual contact. Two similar cases were confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
ZIKA MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
STEM CELL REVOLUTION

Stem cell transplantation has already opened new doors for the treatment of chronic and life-threatening diseases. A very productive study was published on March 4, 2016, in the Journal of Stem Cell, which proved that Zika virus is causing microcephaly.

The researchers used the lab-grown human stem cells to assess the infected site. The results showed that the neural progenitor cells were directly affected by the virus, killing them within three days’ time. The role of these cells is very vital in the development of the cortex.

According to the research team, the study’s findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Zika is responsible for causing microcephaly.
PHARMACEUTICALS

Approximately 15 drug makers were in touch with the WHO regarding the development of vaccines. Another 20 were involved in the manufacturing of the diagnostic tools for testing.

Till date, the vaccines used globally are either killed-virus or live-attenuated virus vaccines. The development of a single vaccine takes more than a decade to be used in humans without compromising any safety and efficacy profiles.

On the other hand, DNA-based vaccines take less time to develop and have fewer side effects. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve any DNA-based vaccine till today.

Sanofi has already started the vaccine’s research and development program. The drug maker has a vast experience in relation to the mosquito-borne disease and has developed vaccines for the treatment of yellow fever and dengue. The company has launched its dengue virus vaccine by the name of Dengvaxia. According to the drug maker, Zika virus vaccine will need approximately three years to be marketed.
DIAGNOSTICS

Besides the vaccine development, the diagnostic kit is of utmost importance as the virus remains asymptomatic. Multiple companies are working on the development of the diagnostic kit such as Germany’s Genekam Biotechnology, who claims that they have already developed a kit and is applying to the European and US authorities for approval.

The Scripps Research Institute is using a robotic technique for the clinical tests by injecting fluorescent luciferase into modified Zika cells. This substance will help to show either the drug or vaccine is capable of destroying the virus.
DIALYSIS APPROACH

There is a concept of washing away the virus from the body, similar to dialysis process. Premier Biomedical Inc. is working on using sequential dialysis for the purpose, but the technique has been tested only in mice so far.

Aethlon Medical Inc. is also working on the same format of filtering out the pathogens from the body. The drug maker is planning to test the technique and solution in the patients suffering from dengue in Delhi, India.
GENETIC

Inovio is way ahead in the development of the Zika virus vaccine. The company is working on the DNA sequence for its eradication from the human body. At present, the vaccine is ready to be tested in primates. Depending upon the results, the decision will be taken to go ahead for the trial on humans, which is expected at the end of this year.

WHO is funding trials of genetically-modified mosquitoes. These mosquitoes will play a vital role inhibiting its reproduction. The modification is done in a way that the mosquitoes will die before they reach the age of reproduction. Intrexon has conducted trials of this modification.
GLOBAL PARTICIPATION

Google has taken a step ahead by donating $1 million along with a team of helping associates to UNICEF. The grant will be used in eradicating the mosquito population as well as in the development of the vaccines.

The tech giant is playing its role in creating awareness about the virus and its risks to the public via different media sources.

World Bank (WB) has also announced $150 million for the worst hit countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. This financial aid will help in the monitoring and controlling infection vectors, identifying risk groups, monitoring follow-up care, and promoting activities to overcome the virus.