Innovation Pharmaceuticals Inc (IPIX)

[farrell90]

The Indian variant represents a mutation on the Corona virus S protein which attaches the virus to human cells. This is of great concern because A number of Covid treatments,eg Lilly's Bamlanivimab and Regeneron's antibody as well as convalescent serum, mechanism of action is to bind to the S protein to prevent attachment to the cells.

This may reduce the effectiveness not only of therapeutics but also vaccines

Pfizer or Moderna shots. In these studies, the antibodies could still neutralize the B.1.617 variant, but the potency of the antibodies dropped by about sevenfold on average, the authors reported.Although early studies show they can still prevent infection.

The Astra Zenica vaccine is less likely to prevent infection but
"preliminary evidence suggests this vaccine will also be able to prevent severe cases and deaths, said Rakesh Mishra, adviser to the Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, India.


https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/05/12/995855343/will-covid-19-vaccines-still-work-against-the-variant-from-india


"B.1.617.1 has been called the “Indian double mutant”, but this term is misleading as it has around 15 mutations compared with older variants. “Double mutant” refers to the fact that it has two mutations of particular concern in the outer spike protein of the virus. These two mutations, known as L452R and E484Q, might make antibodies to older variants or existing vaccines less effective..."

"Some B.1.617.1 viruses have an additional mutation called V382L in the spike protein. This is what is meant by the term “triple mutant”."

https://www.newscientist.com/definition/indian-covid-19-variant-b-1-617/