Scientists in the Triangle are racing to detect the Omicron variant, with many of them believing it may already be here. They just need the data to prove it.<\/b>
\nRaleigh, N.C. \u2014 Scientists in the Triangle are racing to detect the Omicron variant, with many of them believing it may already be here. They just need the data to prove it. As physicians who treat patients with COVID-19 prepare inside hospitals for whatever Omicron may bring, researchers are studying positive tests for Omicron. They say the faster we know it’s here, the better able we’ll be to deal with it. Scientists from UNC Health, Duke Health and around the country are working around the clock to find Omicron. At UNC Health, Dr. Melissa Miller and her team are sequencing thousands of positive tests from just this past weekend. \u00ab\u00a0Everyone is looking for the next great variant,\u00a0\u00bb said Miller. \u00ab\u00a0So by the end of the week we will know at least through the 27th if we have any Omicron or not.\u00a0\u00bb Once Miller receives a positive test, she studies it, looking for what’s known as an ‘S-Drop Out.\u00a0\u00bb This means the virus’ spike protein is so mutated it can’t be detected. That mutation indicates it could be the Omicron variant. Like all viruses, COVID mutates. However, the Omicron variant has Dr. David Montefiori and his team at Duke concerned because the number of mutations can make it more transmissible. Doctors are questioning whether or not the current COVID vaccines can fight the latest variant. \u00ab\u00a0We\u2019ve seen at least three cycles of this virus,\u00a0\u00bb said Montefiori. When asked whether Moderna may have to go back to the drawing board and develop a new vaccine, he responded, \u00ab\u00a0Oh yeah, they are absolutely thinking about doing that.\u00a0\u00bb Monoclonal antibody drugs may need to be updated in case the new variant spreads aggressively. Earlier this week, FDA advisers narrowly voted to recommend emergency use of the first COVID-19 antiviral pill for at-risk adults. The drug, created by Merck, could become the first drug Americans could take home to treat coronavirus. However, there are still some concerns about the pill. The recommendation came after hours of debate about the drug\u2019s modest benefits and potential safety issues.<\/p>\n