Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS‐CoV‐2: Concerns, challenges, and recent updates
Ranjan K. Mohapatra, Ruchi Tiwari, Ashish K. Sarangi, Md. Rabiul Islam, Chiranjib Chakraborty, Kuldeep Dhama
Abstract
Highlights Omicron has shown immune escape from neutralizing antibodies generated through previous infection or vaccination. It could evade the protection provided by mAbs being used in clinics for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Booster dose is recommended to elevate the protective levels of antibodies in COVID‐19 vaccinated individuals. The development of powerful oral antiviral drugs such as Molnupiravir and Paxlovid have shown promising clinical results and raised new hopes of COVID‐19 treatment. High efforts are being made to develop highly efficacious vaccines, and by implementing appropriate prevention and control strategies to counter Omicron.