Rich countries are buying up coronavirus vaccines, leaving poorer regions vulnerable — and as potential breeding grounds for variants, like one found in South Africa, that could make vaccines less effective.
— NYT: Top Stories
Tag: Vaccines
FILE – In this photo Nov.30, 2020 file photo the logo of French drug maker Sanofi is picture at the company’s headquarters, in Paris. French drug maker Sanofi said Wednesday it will help manufacture 125 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by rivals Pfizer and BioNTech, while its own vaccine candidate faces delays. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)
PARIS — French drug maker Sanofi says it will help manufacture 125 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by rivals Pfizer and BioNTech, while its own vaccine candidate faces delays.
Germany-based BioNTech will initially produce the vaccines at Sanofi facilities in Frankfurt, starting in the summer, according to a Sanofi statement Wednesday. The company did not reveal financial details of the agreement.
The French government has been pressing Sanofi to use its facilities to help make rival vaccines, given high demand and problems with supplies of the few vaccines that are already available.
Sanofi and British partner GlaxoSmithKline will start a new phase-2 trial of their COVID-19 vaccine next month, Sanofi said. The two companies said last month that their vaccine won’t be ready until late 2021 because the shot’s effectiveness in older people needed to be improved.
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THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— U.S. boosting vaccine deliveries amid complaints of shortages
— U.K. becomes first country in Europe to pass 100,000 coronavirus deaths
— U.S president says he’s ‘bringing back the pros’ for virus briefings
— IOC, Tokyo Olympics to unveil rule book for beating pandemic
— Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
BEIJING — China has given more than 22 million coronavirus vaccine shots to date as it carries out a drive ahead of next month’s Lunar New Year holiday, health authorities said Wednesday.
The effort, which began six weeks ago, targets key groups such as medical and transport workers and has accelerated vaccinations in China. About 1.6 million doses had been given over several months before the campaign began.
“The carrying out of vaccination has been ongoing in a steady and orderly manner,” Zeng Yixin, vice chairman of the National Health Commission Said at a news conference.
He said that 22.76 million doses had been administered as of Tuesday. It’s not clear how many people that represents since the vaccine is given in two doses, and some may have received their second shot.
China, which largely stopped the spread of the virus last spring, has seen fresh outbreaks this winter in four northern provinces. About 1,800 new cases have been reported since mid-December, including two deaths.
Authorities are strongly discouraging people from traveling during the Lunar New Year holiday, a time when Chinese traditionally return to their hometowns for family gatherings.
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NEW DELHI — India has vaccinated 2 million health workers in less than two weeks and recorded 12,689 new coronavirus positive cases in the past 24 hours, a sharp decline from a peak level of nearly 100,000 in mid-September.
The health Ministry said the daily new cases had fallen below 10,000 on Tuesday with 9,102 cases. The daily new positive cases were 9,304 on June 4 last year.
India’s fatalities dropped to 137 in the past 24 hours from a peak level of 1,089 daily deaths in September. India’s total positive cases since the start of the epidemic have reached 10.6 million, the second highest after the United States with 25.43 million cases.
India started inoculating health workers on Jan. 16 in what is likely the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
India is home to the world’s largest vaccine makers. Authorities hope to give shots to 300 million people. The recipients include 30 million doctors, nurses and other front-line workers.
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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has reported new 559 cases of the coronavirus, its highest daily increase in 10 days, as health workers scrambled to slow transmissions at religious facilities, which have been a major source of infections throughout the pandemic.
The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Wednesday brought the national caseload to 76,429, including 1,378 deaths.
The agency said 112 of the new cases came from the southwestern city of Gwangju where more than 100 infections have so far been linked to a missionary training school. An affiliated facility in the central city of Daejeon has been linked to more 170 infections.
Nearly 300 of the new cases came from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of the country’s 51 million people, where infections have been tied to various places, including churches, restaurants, schools and offices.
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JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska has detected the state’s first known case of the coronavirus variant identified last year in the United Kingdom, officials said Tuesday.
The infected person is an Anchorage resident who had traveled to a state where the variant had already been detected, the Alaska health department said. The person first experienced symptoms on Dec. 17, was tested three days later and received a positive result on Dec. 22.
The resident lived with another person in Anchorage, who also became ill. Both isolated and have since recovered, officials said.
It was not yet clear if the second person also was infected with the variant.
Dr. Joe McLaughlin, the state epidemiologist, said in a news release that the discovery of the variant is not surprising because viruses “constantly change through mutation.”
He said this is one of several “variants that has been carefully tracked because it appears to spread more easily and quickly than other strains of the virus.”
Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer, said it is likely the variant will be detected again soon.
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BOSTON — In his annual State of the Commonwealth address, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker defended his vaccine distribution plan, which some have criticized for being confusing and too narrowly focused at first.
Baker said the state is prepared to distribute and administer all the vaccine shots delivered by the federal government and is rapidly expanding the number of vaccination sites.
“Vaccinating 4 million adults in Massachusetts as the doses are allocated by the federal government is not going to be easy. But be assured that we will make every effort to get this done as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said. “We can only move as fast as the federal government delivers the vaccines.”
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SEATTLE – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday touted big improvements in distributing the COVID-19 vaccines, but he also urged residents to remain vigilant as new, more contagious variants of the disease spread in the state.
Inslee said more than 36,000 doses were administered in Washington on Sunday and 39,000 on Monday — a big jump from about 16,000 a week earlier, and on the way toward the state’s goal of 45,000 per day.
The number of vaccines actually administered could be even higher, given lags in reporting, but as of Monday more than 500,000 doses had been administered statewide, with four mass vaccination sites due to open this week.
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday the federal government is boosting vaccine supplies to the states by 16% over the next three weeks, giving states more certainty about upcoming deliveries than the one-week notice the Trump administration had been providing.
— Associated Press
Data from More Than 50 Clinical and Epidemiological Abstracts Across Vaccines, HIV, Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Show the Breadth of the Company’s Commitment to Addressing the Threat of Infectious Diseases
KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #MRK–Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that new clinical and epidemiological data from its broad infectious diseases and vaccines program will be presented at IDWeek 2020 from Oct. 21 – 25, 2020. Clinical data to be presented include new subgroup analyses from the Phase 3 RESTORE-IMI 2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of RECARBRIO™ (imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam) in adults with hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), and a new pooled analysis of the safety and efficacy of PIFELTRO™ (doravirine) or DELSTRIGO™ (doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) in adults 50 years of age and older living with HIV-1 who are treatment-naïve. As part of Merck’s commitment to greater understanding of infectious diseases, Merck researchers will present epidemiological data including two multicenter evaluations of bacterial infections and antimicrobial use among COVID-19 tested patients, and 12 studies evaluating disease burden and vaccination strategies. Merck will also be sharing updates from SMART (Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends) surveillance program-related abstracts accepted by the congress.
“This year, we’ve all witnessed the devastating impact infectious diseases can have on patients and society. The pandemic reinforces the compelling need for Merck to continue our unwavering, decades-long commitment to addressing the threat of infectious diseases through research,” said Dr. Nicholas Kartsonis, senior vice president, infectious diseases and vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories. “The breadth of our portfolio in infectious diseases will be on display at IDWeek as we share new research in vaccines, HIV and antibacterials.”
Select abstracts in the IDWeek program include:
Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Evaluation of the Impact of a Single-dose Hepatitis A Vaccination in Brazil: a time-series analysis. Poster: 1392. Bierrenbach AL, et al.
- Current practices in the diagnosis and treatment of varicella infections in the United States. Poster: 1387. Fergie J, et al.
- Effectiveness of M-M-R® II in outbreaks – a systematic literature review of real-world observational studies. Poster: 1390. Li S, et al.
- Factors Associated with Co-administration of Pentavalent DTaP-IPV/Hib and Monovalent Hepatitis B Vaccine in the United States (US). Poster: 1393. Petigara T, et al.
- Caregiver Burden related to Rotavirus Gastroenteritis: a systematic literature review. Poster: 1379. Carias C, et al.
- Current status of the legal landscape regarding Rotavirus Vaccination in the United States. Poster: 1380. Bhatti A, et al.
- Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among older adults: discussion based on a systematic literature review. Poster: 1381. Carias C, et al.
Pneumococcal Disease
- Incidence of Acute Otitis Media in Children in the United States before and after the introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV7 and PCV13) during 1998-2018. Poster: 1479. Hu T, et al.
- Incidence of Non-Invasive Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Children in the United States before and after Introduction Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV7 and PCV13) during 1998-2018. Poster: 1480. Hu T, et al.
Certain HPV-Related Cancers and Disease
- Observational Study of Routine Use of 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Safe in More Than 140,000 Individuals. Poster: 5. Hansen J, et al.
HABP/VABP & Antibiotics
- Imipenem/Cilastatin (IMI)/Relebactam (REL) in Hospital Acquired/Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia (HABP/VABP): Subgroup Analyses of Critically Ill Patients in the RESTORE-IMI 2 Trial. Poster: 1460. Chen L, et al.
- Clinical and Microbiologic Outcomes by Causative Pathogen in Hospital-Acquired or Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia (HABP/VABP) Treated with Imipenem/Cilastatin (IMI)/Relebactam (REL) Versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam (PIP/TAZ). Poster: 1230. Losada M, et al.
- Multivariate Regression Analysis to Determine Independent Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in the RESTORE-IMI 2 Trial. Poster: 1574. Tipping R, et al.
Antimicrobial Epidemiology/Surveillance
- Comparison of the Epidemiology and Pathogens Cultured from Patients Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 Positive versus SARS-CoV-2 Negative in the US: A Multicenter Evaluation. Poster: 373. Puzniak L, et al.
- Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Use Among SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Admissions in the US: A Multicenter Evaluation. Poster: 379. Puzniak L, et al.
- Comparison of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam, Ceftazidime/Avibactam, and Meropenem/Vaborbactam Activity Against P. aeruginosa: A Multicenter Evaluation. Poster: 1603. Moise P, et al.
- Frequency of Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Among Respiratory Pathogens Impacts First-Line Beta-Lactam Susceptibility: Potential Role for Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (C/T) and/or Imipenem/Relebactam (I/R). Poster: 1450. Klinker K, et al.
- Activity of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Against Gram-Negative Isolates From Lower Respiratory Tract Infections – SMART United States 2018. Poster: 1587. Lob S, et al.
- Epidemiology and Susceptibility to Imipenem/Relebactam of Gram-Negative Pathogens From Patients With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections – SMART United States 2017-2018. Poster: 1609. Lob S, et al.
HIV
- Efficacy and Safety of Doravirine in Treatment-Naïve Adults ≥50 Years Old With HIV-1. Poster: 1011. Mills A, et al.
For more information and access to IDWeek’s virtual program, please visit the IDWeek 2020 website.
About RECARBRIOTM (imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam) for injection 1.25 g
RECARBRIO is indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years of age and older with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens.
RECARBRIO is also indicated in patients 18 years of age and older who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
RECARBRIO is also indicated in patients 18 years of age and older who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by the following susceptible gram-negative microorganisms: Bacteroides caccae, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides stercoris, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Parabacteroides distasonis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Approval of the cUTI and cIAI indications is based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data for RECARBRIO.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of RECARBRIO and other antibacterial drugs, RECARBRIO should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Selected Safety Information for RECARBRIO
Hypersensitivity Reactions: RECARBRIO is contraindicated in patients with a history of known severe hypersensitivity (severe systemic allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis) to any component of RECARBRIO. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams. Before initiating therapy with RECARBRIO, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams, and other allergens. If a hypersensitivity reaction to RECARBRIO occurs, discontinue the therapy immediately.
Seizures and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions: CNS adverse reactions, such as seizures, confusional states, and myoclonic activity, have been reported during treatment with imipenem/cilastatin, a component of RECARBRIO, especially when recommended dosages of imipenem were exceeded. These have been reported most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders. If CNS adverse reactions including seizures occur, patients should undergo a neurological evaluation to determine whether RECARBRIO should be discontinued.
Increased Seizure Potential Due to Interaction with Valproic Acid: Concomitant use of RECARBRIO, with valproic acid or divalproex sodium may increase the risk of breakthrough seizures. Avoid concomitant use of RECARBRIO with valproic acid or divalproex sodium or consider alternative antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems.
Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including RECARBRIO, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C difficile may need to be discontinued.
Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Prescribing RECARBRIO in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Adverse Reactions: The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of cUTI and cIAI patients treated with RECARBRIO were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), headache (4%), vomiting (3%), alanine aminotransferase increased (3%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (3%), phlebitis/infusion site reactions (2%), pyrexia (2%), and hypertension (2%). The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of HABP/VABP patients treated with RECARBRIO were aspartate aminotransferase increased (11.7%), anemia (10.5%), alanine aminotransferase increased (9.8%), diarrhea (7.9%), hypokalemia (7.9%), and hyponatremia (6.4%).
About ZERBAXA® (ceftolozane and tazobactam) for injection (1.5g)
ZERBAXA is indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years and older with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.
ZERBAXA is indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years and older with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
ZERBAXA used in combination with metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years and older with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus salivarius.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of ZERBAXA and other antibacterial drugs, ZERBAXA should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Selected Safety Information for ZERBAXA
Patients with renal impairment: Decreased efficacy of ZERBAXA has been observed in patients with baseline CrCl of 30 to <50 mL/min. In a clinical trial, patients with cIAIs with CrCl >50 mL/min had a clinical cure rate of 85.2% when treated with ZERBAXA plus metronidazole vs 87.9% when treated with meropenem. In the same trial, patients with CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min had a clinical cure rate of 47.8% when treated with ZERBAXA plus metronidazole vs 69.2% when treated with meropenem. A similar trend was also seen in the cUTI trial. Dose adjustment is required for patients with CrCl 50 mL/min or less. All doses of ZERBAXA are administered over 1 hour. Monitor CrCl at least daily in patients with changing renal function and adjust the dose of ZERBAXA accordingly.
Hypersensitivity: ZERBAXA is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to the components of ZERBAXA (ceftolozane/tazobactam), piperacillin/tazobactam, or other members of the beta-lactam class. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterials. Before initiating therapy with ZERBAXA, make careful inquiry about previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactams. If an anaphylactic reaction to ZERBAXA occurs, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy.
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis has been reported with nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including ZERBAXA. Careful medical history is necessary because CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is confirmed, antibacterial use not directed against C. difficile should be discontinued, if possible.
Development of drug-resistant bacteria: Prescribing ZERBAXA in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and risks the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Adverse reactions: The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients in the HABP/VABP trial were hepatic transaminase increased (11.9%), renal impairment/renal failure (8.9%), and diarrhea (6.4%). The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients in the cUTI and cIAI trials were headache (5.8%) in the cUTI trial, and nausea (7.9%), diarrhea (6.2%), and pyrexia (5.6%) in the cIAI trial.
About PIFELTROTM (doravirine, 100 mg) and DELSTRIGOTM (doravirine 100 mg/lamivudine 300 mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg)
PIFELTRO is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral (ARV) agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior ARV treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to doravirine.
DELSTRIGO is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no prior ARV treatment history or to replace the current ARV regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable ARV regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of DELSTRIGO. DELSTRIGO contains a boxed warning regarding posttreatment acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. See Selected Safety Information below.
Selected Safety Information for PIFELTRO and DELSTRIGO
Warning: Posttreatment Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B (HBV)
All patients with HIV-1 should be tested for the presence of HBV before initiating ARV therapy. Severe acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing lamivudine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which are components of DELSTRIGO. Patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinue DELSTRIGO should be monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping DELSTRIGO. If appropriate, initiation of anti-HBV therapy may be warranted.
PIFELTRO and DELSTRIGO are contraindicated when co-administered with drugs that are strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A enzyme inducers (including the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin; the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide; the antimycobacterials rifampin and rifapentine; the cytotoxic agent mitotane; and the herbal product St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)), as significant decreases in doravirine plasma concentrations may occur, which may decrease the effectiveness of DELSTRIGO and PIFELTRO.
DELSTRIGO is contraindicated in patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to lamivudine.
Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, have been reported with the use of TDF. DELSTRIGO should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent (eg, high-dose or multiple NSAIDs). Cases of acute renal failure after initiation of high-dose or multiple NSAIDs have been reported in patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction who appeared stable on TDF.
Prior to or when initiating DELSTRIGO, and during treatment, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus. Discontinue DELSTRIGO in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome. Discontinue DELSTRIGO if estimated creatinine clearance declines below 50 mL/min.
In clinical trials in HIV-1 infected adults, TDF was associated with slightly greater decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) and increases in biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Serum parathyroid hormone levels and 1,25 Vitamin D levels were also higher. Cases of osteomalacia associated with proximal renal tubulopathy have been reported with the use of TDF.
Immune reconstitution syndrome can occur, including the occurrence of autoimmune disorders with variable time to onset, which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Because DELSTRIGO is a complete regimen, co-administration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended.
Co-administration of PIFELTRO with efavirenz, etravirine, or nevirapine is not recommended.
If DELSTRIGO is co-administered with rifabutin, take one tablet of DELSTRIGO once daily, followed by one tablet of doravirine (PIFELTRO) approximately 12 hours after the dose of DELSTRIGO.
If PIFELTRO is co-administered with rifabutin, increase PIFELTRO dosage to one tablet twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart).
Consult the full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for more information on potential drug-drug interactions.
Because DELSTRIGO is a fixed-dose combination tablet and the dosage of lamivudine and TDF cannot be adjusted, DELSTRIGO is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min.
The most common adverse reactions with DELSTRIGO (incidence ≥5%, all intensities) were dizziness (7%), nausea (5%), and abnormal dreams (5%). The most common adverse reactions with PIFELTRO (incidence ≥5%, all intensities) were nausea (7%), dizziness (7%), headache (6%), fatigue (6%), diarrhea (6%), abdominal pain (5%), and abnormal dreams (5%).
By Week 96 in DRIVE-FORWARD, 2% of adult subjects in the PIFELTRO group and 3% in the DRV+r group had adverse events leading to discontinuation of study medication.
By Week 96 in DRIVE-AHEAD, 3% of adult subjects in the DELSTRIGO (doravirine/3TC/TDF) group and 7% in the EFV/FTC/TDF group had adverse events leading to discontinuation of study medication.
In DRIVE-FORWARD, mean changes from baseline at Week 48 in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) were pre-specified. LDL-C: -4.6 mg/dL in the PIFELTRO group vs 9.5 mg/dL in the DRV+r group. Non-HDL-C: -5.4 mg/dL in the PIFELTRO group vs 13.7 mg/dL in the DRV+r group. The clinical benefits of these findings have not been demonstrated.
In DRIVE-AHEAD, mean changes from baseline at Week 48 in LDL-C and non-HDL-C were pre-specified. LDL-C: -2.1 mg/dL in the DELSTRIGO group vs 8.3 mg/dL in the EFV/FTC/TDF group. Non-HDL-C: -4.1 mg/dL in the DELSTRIGO group vs 12.7 mg/dL in the EFV/FTC/TDF group. The clinical benefits of these findings have not been demonstrated.
In DRIVE-SHIFT, mean changes from baseline at Week 48 in LDL-C and non-HDL-C were pre-specified. LDL-C: -16.3 mg/dL in the DELSTRIGO group vs -2.6 mg/dL in the PI + ritonavir group. Non-HDL-C: -24.8 mg/dL DELSTRIGO group vs -2.1 mg/dL in the PI + ritonavir group. The clinical benefits of these findings have not been demonstrated.
In DRIVE-AHEAD, neuropsychiatric adverse events were reported in the three pre-specified categories of sleep disorders and disturbances, dizziness, and altered sensorium. Twelve percent of adult subjects in the DELSTRIGO group and 26% in the EFV/FTC/TDF group reported neuropsychiatric adverse events of sleep disorders and disturbances; 9% in the DELSTRIGO group and 37% in the EFV/FTC/TDF group reported dizziness; and 4% in the DELSTRIGO group and 8% in the EFV/FTC/TDF group reported altered sensorium.
The safety of DELSTRIGO in virologically-suppressed adults was based on Week 48 data from subjects in the DRIVE-SHIFT trial. Overall, the safety profile in virologically-suppressed adult subjects was similar to that in subjects with no ARV treatment history.
Serum ALT and AST Elevations: In the DRIVE-SHIFT trial, 22% and 16% of subjects in the immediate switch group experienced ALT and AST elevations greater than 1.25 X ULN, respectively, through 48 weeks on DELSTRIGO. For these ALT and AST elevations, no apparent patterns with regard to time to onset relative to switch were observed. One percent of subjects had ALT or AST elevations greater than 5 X ULN through 48 weeks on DELSTRIGO. The ALT and AST elevations were generally asymptomatic, and not associated with bilirubin elevations. In comparison, 4% and 4% of subjects in the delayed switch group experienced ALT and AST elevations of greater than 1.
Contacts
Media:
Pamela Eisele
(267) 305-3558
Sarra S. Herzog
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Investors:
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Campaign raises awareness about importance of dog vaccination
MADISON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #ForThemForUs–In recognition of World Rabies Day on September 28, Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the launch of a global campaign to raise awareness among veterinarians, dog owners and volunteers who are committed to eliminate rabies through ongoing dog vaccination efforts. In partnership with Mission Rabies and Rabies Free Africa, the social media initiative recognizes and celebrates those individuals who are committed to protecting and saving canine as well as human lives, using the hashtag, #ForThemForUs.
“Many of us love and rely on our dogs, who in many cases are not only much-loved family members, but also hard-working companions,” said Luke Gamble, BVSc, DVM&S, FRCVS, founder, Mission Rabies. “On this World Rabies Day, we want to recognize the invaluable role dogs play in our lives. When we protect our dogs from rabies, we are also protecting ourselves from this deadly disease. Showcasing those efforts through #ForThemForUs moments is a fitting way to raise awareness about why vaccinating dogs and educating people about preventing rabies matters and saves lives.”
Around the world, there are an estimated 900 million dogsi but the majority (75-85%) are not household petsii. In order to prevent rabies transmission in rabies-endemic areas, at least 70% of the dogs there need to be protected through annual mass-vaccinationiii. For over 20 years, Merck Animal Health, through the Afya Program, has been dedicated to rabies prevention and has donated over three million doses of rabies vaccine to help meet the World Health Organization (WHO) “Zero by 2030” goal.
Each year, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies, with over 99% of cases contracted from a dog bite. Additionally, 40% of those deaths occur in children 15 years and under. This is in part because of low rates of canine vaccination in rabies endemic areas and a lack of awareness about the disease.
“With Merck Animal Health, we have made significant progress on the research needed to design cost-effective and efficient vaccination programs that reduce rates of rabies in both dogs and humans,” notes Felix Lankester, DVM, Ph.D., director, Rabies Free Africa, Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University. “From scientific research to actual vaccination programs, we are refining the tools we need to prevent rabies. While doing so, we must continue to work together with local governments and healthcare organizations supporting local communities as they continue rabies prevention where it is most needed. This will help us achieve our 2030 rabies elimination goal.”
Collaboration must continue among human, animal and environmental health organizations to advance sustainable rabies prevention efforts, including annual mass-vaccination. Through this One Health approach, local, regional, national and global animal health advocates all have a critical role in addressing this public health threat and must work together to keep both dogs and humans healthy.
“Experiencing first-hand the important work of our partners, veterinarians and volunteers was the inspiration behind our campaign, #ForThemForUs,” said Ingrid Deuzeman, global marketing director, Companion Animal Vaccines, Merck Animal Health. “We wanted to recognize the global community for their role in eliminating rabies – from the local veterinarian who vaccinates dogs in a veterinary clinic to the door-to-door efforts of volunteers and the Mission Rabies and Rabies Free Africa teams across the African continent and beyond to vaccinate owned and stray dogs. We hope that by everyone sharing their #ForThemForUs moments with the world, these outstanding individuals and not-for-profit organizations will gain even more awareness and support to expand rabies prevention and elimination efforts.”
For example, as a commitment to rabies vaccination in Goa, India, there have been no recorded human rabies deaths for two years. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission Rabies local team remained essential to ensure rabies did not re-emerge in the area. Throughout this period, our team was on-call to respond to any reported rabid dogs. After several positive cases were confirmed, they also quickly launched an emergency rabies vaccination drive to prevent spread,” said Gamble.
Veterinarians, dog owners and volunteers are invited to share photos and videos of their inspirational work in keeping dogs rabies-free, using the hashtag, #ForThemForUs.
About Mission Rabies
Mission Rabies was initially founded as an initiative by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), a United Kingdom-based charity group that assists animals. Mission Rabies has a One Health approach driven by research to eliminate dog bite transmitted rabies (a disease that is estimated to kill 59,000 people annually). Launched in September 2013 with a mission to vaccinate 50,000 dogs against rabies across India, Mission Rabies teams have since then vaccinated 1.1 million dogs and educated more than three million children in dog bite prevention in rabies endemic countries. For more information, visit www.missionrabies.com.
About Rabies Free Africa
Rabies Free Africa is empowering countries in east Africa to create self-sustaining programs to eliminate current human rabies deaths and set up surveillance systems to identify future outbreaks for containment. To reach the global goal by 2030, the focus needs to be on decreasing the cost of vaccinating dogs and increasing access to vaccines. Rabies Free Africa continues its work to discover ways to decrease the cost of mass-dog vaccinations and refine country and continent-wide programs that make the best use of limited resources. For more information, visit www.globalhealth.wsu.edu/initiatives/rabies-free-africa/.
About the Afya Program
The Afya Program comprises a number of rabies control projects supported by Merck Animal Health rabies vaccine donations, including Rabies Free Africa, Mission Rabies and The Sharon Live On Project. These projects have been brought together under the name “Afya,” which means “health” in Swahili. The Afya Program is committed to supporting the Zero by 30 Initiative, with the goal of eliminating rabies by 2030. For more information, visit www.afya.org.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.
i World Atlas. How Many Dogs Are There In The World? Accessed June 15, 2020. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-dogs-are-there-in-the-world.html
ii World Atlas. How Many Dogs Are There In The World? Accessed June 15, 2020. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-dogs-are-there-in-the-world.html
iii The World Health Organization. Frequently Asked Questions about Rabies for the General Public. Accessed June 15, 2020. https://www.who.int/rabies/Rabies_General_Public_FAQs_Sep2018.pdf?ua=1
Contacts
Merck
Media Contact:
Michael Close
+ 1 (267) 305-1211
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Industry giant will continue to leverage its proprietary online virtual platform and technology through at least March 2021
CRANBURY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CME–MJH Life Sciences™ confirmed today that all conferences, satellite symposia, award programs and educational programming produced by the privately owned health care media company will take place in virtual format through March 2021.
From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, MJH Life Sciences™ has adapted existing events and developed new programs to provide timely, critical health care information and education wherever clinicians are.
“Because of our state-of-the-art in-house studio and technology platforms, we were able to pivot successfully to virtual programming right from the start of the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Mike Hennessy Jr., president, and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™. “Events and education are key pillars of how we deliver on our mission to help health care professionals improve quality of life. So, we have taken great care to ensure we are delivering the greatest value, content, and accessibility, all while remaining comfortable and safe. The further upside of our decision is that even more people will be able to experience our events and continuing education without having to decide whether travel is safe enough for them – plus it will help us deliver value to and continue to build our growing global presence.”
Since March, MJH has hosted more than 600 virtual events in various formats, with a combined attendance of over 200,000 health care professionals. Most recently, MJH produced the widely attended and highly rated “COVID-19: A Race for a Vaccine” webinar to help provide clarity and insight about current clinical trials and to address questions regarding distribution of potential COVID-19 vaccines.
The experience gained and lessons learned from producing hundreds of virtual events over the past 4+ months have resulted in knowledge and understanding that will help MJH continue to optimize and perfects its future events. Upcoming large-scale virtual events include Fetch dvm360® Conference, Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s 26th Annual National Conference, Physicians’ Education Resource® (PER®), Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium (CFS®), Miami Breast Cancer Conference®, and PTCE’s legacy Directions in Oncology Pharmacy™ and Directions in Pharmacy® spring conference series.
About MJH Life Sciences™
MJH Life Sciences™ is the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels, providing health care professionals with the information and resources they need to optimize patient outcomes. MJH Life Sciences™ combines the reach and influence of its powerful portfolio of digital and print product lines, live events, educational programs and market research with the customization capabilities of a boutique firm. Clients include world-leading pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and biotech companies. For more information, visit https://www.mjhlifesciences.com/.
Contacts
MJH Life Sciences™ Media Contact
Alexandra Ventura, 609-716-7777, ext. 121
Strategic Transaction Enhances Farm-to-Table Animal Traceability Solutions for Livestock and Aquaculture
MADISON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #AnimalHealth–Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the completion of its acquisition of IdentiGEN, a leader in DNA-based animal traceability solutions for Livestock and Aquaculture from MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
IdentiGEN’s technology combines each species’ unique DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and data analytics to provide an evidence-based animal traceability solution, called DNA TraceBack®, to accurately and precisely trace beef, seafood, pork and poultry that is verifiable from farm-to-table.
Food producers, processors and retailers are looking for accurate and complete animal traceability solutions that provide full accountability, as well as greater transparency, quality and sustainability of food sources for consumers. The addition of specialized, digital technology within our portfolio of medicines, vaccines and services, provides holistic solutions to help advance animal health and complements our existing identification and monitoring technology that delivers real-time, actionable data and insights to help, improve or enhance animal management and health outcomes.
“Enhanced digital technology will play an increasingly important role in food traceability and food safety, providing customers critical information and actionable data to help ensure a sustainable supply of quality food to protect public health,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “We now will be able to provide end-to-end animal traceability solutions at industry scale to improve the health and safety of animals and ensure even greater transparency in our food supply.”
DeLuca said, “The highly skilled employees at IdentiGEN, led by Ronan Loftus and Ciaran Meghen, exemplify our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, and we look forward to collaborating with the team to leverage our scientific and technical capabilities and expertise to shape the future of animal health.”
In April 2019, Merck Animal Health announced the completion of its acquisition of Antelliq Corporation and its market-leading brands, Allflex Livestock Intelligence, Sure Petcare and Biomark as leaders in emerging digital technology with animal identification, animal monitoring and smart data management for Livestock and Companion Animals. In December 2019, the company acquired Vaki, a leader in fish farming and wild fish conservation monitoring equipment and real-time video monitoring technology to advance fish health and welfare. In June 2020, the company acquired Quantified Ag®, a leading data and analytics company that monitors cattle body temperature and movement in order to detect illness early.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.
About IdentiGEN
IdentiGEN leads the world in delivering DNA-based solutions which shape the future of food trust. Founded in 1996, IdentiGEN is a pioneer of DNA-based solutions for producers, processors and retailers of meat and seafood products in the Agri-food Industry, with operations in Ireland, Europe, the UK and the USA. Our signature product, DNA TraceBack®, helps safeguard and strengthen the integrity of the supply chain for meat, poultry and seafood products through the world’s most accurate and precise traceability platform. A unique solution for industry, using DNA TraceBack® enables beef, pork, poultry and seafood products to be reliably traced back through production to the farm, parent or individual animal from which they originated.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Contacts
Merck
Media Contacts:
Jeanette Lewis
+ 1 (973) 294-0318
Pam Eisele
+1 (267) 305-3558
Merck
Investor Contact:
Michael DeCarbo
+ 1 (908) 740-1807
KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #MRK–Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and Hanmi Pharmaceutical today announced that the companies have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the development, manufacture and commercialization of efinopegdutide (formerly HM12525A), Hanmi’s investigational once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucagon receptor dual agonist, for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
“Data from phase 2 studies has provided compelling clinical evidence that warrants further evaluation of efinopegdutide for the treatment of NASH,” said Dr. Sam Engel, associate vice president, Merck clinical research, diabetes and endocrinology, Merck Research Laboratories. “We continue to build on our proud legacy of developing meaningful medicines for the treatment of metabolic diseases and look forward to advancing this candidate.”
Under the agreement, Merck will be granted an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize efinopegdutide in the United States and globally. Hanmi will receive an upfront payment of $10 million and is eligible to receive milestone payments up to $860 million associated with the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of efinopegdutide, as well as double-digit royalties on sales of approved product. Hanmi retains an option to commercialize efinopegdutide in Korea.
“This licensing agreement supports Hanmi’s goals of developing and providing innovative therapies to the patients who need them,” said Dr. Se Chang Kwon, CEO and president, Hanmi Pharmaceutical. “We believe that Merck’s strong scientific expertise in metabolic diseases makes it well positioned to advance this candidate forward and maximize its potential for patients around the world.”
About efinopegdutide
Efinopegdutide is a GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist, which activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The safety and efficacy of efinopegdutide has previously been evaluated in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, including for the treatment of severely obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
About Merck
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Hanmi Pharmaceutical
Hanmi Pharmaceutical is a Korea-based pharmaceutical company, fully integrated with strong focus in R&D which is strategically designed in 3 major fields: 1) Biologics: LAPSCOVERY platform applied long-acting pipelines. Key targeting areas are diabetes and obesity; 2) NCE: Mainly oncology targeted pipelines; and 3) Fixed-dose combination programs. The company has worked closely with global partners on various co-developments and collaborations. Hanmi continues to further expand through “Open Innovation Strategy” by finding potential partners for innovative solutions.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Contacts
Merck Media:
Pam Eisele
(267) 305-3558
Sienna Choi
(908) 740-1256
Merck Investors:
Peter Dannenbaum
(908) 740-1037
Michael DeCarbo
(908) 740-1807
Hamilton Township and the City of Trenton are offering free rabies clinics for dogs and cats, starting this weekend.
The clinics will start in Hamilton Saturday at 9 a.m. to noon, and in Trenton Mondays, Jan. 22nd and 29th at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pet owners are required to be residents of either city, and will have to prove residency with proper ID, and follow other rules, said township officials.
“In New Jersey, it’s mandatory for dogs to have these vaccines in order to receive a New Jersey dog license,” said Jeff Plunkett, Hamilton Township director of health.
Additionally, “if an animal has rabies and it’s not treated, it could be fatal,” he said. He also reminded that if a rabid animal bites a human being, there could also be human fatality as well.
New Jersey sponsors these free rabies clinics statewide, with Hamilton Twp. offering about five each year for about 40 years now.
In Trenton and Hamilton, pet owners should make sure their animals are muzzled, if they bark, on a leash, and cats need to be in carriers when they arrive at the clinics, said Officer Jose Munoz, chief of the Trenton Humane Law Enforcement Division and manager of the Trenton Animal Shelter.
Dogs and cat owners are to arrive at 72 Escher St., in Trenton, Monday morning, with proper ID and paperwork of previous vaccinations, if they wish to participate in the rabies clinics. If eligible, their pets will receive a three-year shot.
In Hamilton, pet owners who want their dogs and cats vaccinated should go to 320 Scully Ave. Saturday morning, with proper ID, and adhere to the safety precautions for their animals.
The animals should be 6 months, or older.
Hamilton Twp. expects around 300-350 pet owners to participate this weekend.
Plunkett said it has always been a free clinic and it is economically helpful to residents.
Kathryn Gist of Trenton, who is owner of an 8-year-old Boston Terrier said, “I might check it out. That’s a good thing because sometimes I might not have the money, but my dog already has a doctor.”
Plunkett advises that these rabies vaccines protect the dogs and other animals and the humans they interact with in our communities.