Early lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive
Source: CNN Health
Published 8:55 PM EDT, Sun September 3, 2023
CNN — Scientists around the world are fast-tracking lab experiments to try to understand the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of the virus that causes Covid-19. Results just beginning to emerge are offering some reassurance, experts say.
Two groups — one in China and one in Sweden — have publicly reported results, and more are expected as early as Monday from the United States. So far, early results paint BA.2.86 as more of a paper tiger rather than the looming beast it first appeared to be, although that impression could change as more results come in.
BA.2.86, also known by the nickname Pirola, captured the world’s attention because it looks radically different than any other variants of the coronavirus that we’ve seen so far.
This new lineage has more than 30 changes to its spike protein compared with both its next closest ancestor, BA.2, and compared with the recently circulating XBB.1.5 lineage. It was an evolutionary leap on par with the one the original Omicron variant, BA.1, made when it first appeared almost two years ago — and everyone remembers how that went down.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/03/health/covid-new-variant-pirola-early-lab-results/index.html
Full headline: Early lab tests suggest new Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 may be less contagious and less immune-evasive than feared
From President Biden's former COVID Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha -
Link to tweet
@ashishkjha
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We now have the 2nd lab reporting neutralization data on BA.2.86
And the news is better than I was expecting
And makes me more encouraged that the new upcoming vaccine will have a real benefit against current dominant variant (EG.5) as well as BA.2.86
More data coming soon
Ben Murrell
@BenjMurrell
Real-time data update: we've got our first BA.2.86 (see red arrow) neutralization results. Short 🧵with much credit to @DannySheward and the rest of the team.
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7:41 PM · Sep 1, 2023
= new reply since forum marked as read
that variant (and its relatives) aren't really responsible for the current uptick. It appears that it's mostly XBB 1.x. variants running their course.
It will remain to be seen if one of the BA.2.x variants can emerge to out-compete.
Its a totally unrelated virus. Spanish flu was a version of the inFLUenza virus, COVID-19 is caused by a CORONAVIRUS - not the same thing at all.
During that 1918 pandemic, that particularly impacted MY city thanks to the arrogance of holding a "Liberty Bond" parade in the midst of the pandemic, when there was no knowledge of "gene sequencing" or mRNA vaccines... or much of anything resembling a "vaccine", right there pretty much guaranteed a death sentence.
I'll repost some, from here - https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=2902495
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/05/22/second-wave-coronavirus-spanish-flu-1918-philadelphia-st-louis-influenza-deaths-covid-19/3085405001/
We were determined not to make that same mistake again.
Link to tweet
@BradNitzWSB
This graph shows why social distancing is so important.
In 1918 Philadelphia did not, but St. Louis did. Let’s all work to minimize our numbers now. This is temporary.
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3:30 PM · Mar 12, 2020
And you also seemed to have missed the entire mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and its use of ACE-2 receptors for "landing zones" to attach and enter cells. I don't know how many posts I have done on that. Those receptors are not just located in the respiratory system (although that is the predominate place and is what causes "COVID pneumonia" ) but are also on the kidneys and in the digestive system as well as in the circulatory system (notably the heart), and neurological system.
Depending on where that virus lands, the organ can and has become damaged - one of the most common organs being the kidneys where you had many early on end up on dialysis.
For example as posted here - https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=2904484
And from here - https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1016&pid=340798
The above are organs where those ACE-2 receptor sites are located (at varying degrees).
I.e., it can be more than just a "respiratory" virus because of that ACE-2 thing.
The "flu" does not do this and what you just posted is just mind-boggling.
but if you have no clear understanding about what they are saying, then you completely lose the context of it.
We watched while people completely dismissed Delta, because "summer time" and "everyone is outside" and people were encouraged to "throw off their masks and hug their grandkids". And we watched like deer in headlights when Delta didn't "follow the rules" and hit like a ton of bricks "out of season" - and that was when vaccines had finally been available for most of the population save for the under 18s.
But then as that one began to wane, Omicron was being reported in South Africa, and that was also dismissed - enough to have the U.S. lift the overseas travel ban. And right after that happened, all hell broke loose.
Does this mean that BA.2.86 is going to be like that? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It just means that we should know the fucking drill by now. Get boosted, get your masks out, wash your hands. It's really just that simple.
And I suggest you start watching "the experts" on both the FDA VRBPAC and CDC ACIP meetings. YOU might learn something. I have most of their slide decks as well.
Links to many of the streams are in these LBN OPs that I have posted below (ETA and when I say "I" have posted, these are literally MY LBN OPs) -
FDA approves first RSV vaccine for pregnancy to protect newborns
COVID vaccine program for uninsured could be late to pharmacies
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine safest, most effective for older adults, study says
West Virginia's COVID vaccine lottery under scrutiny over cost of prizes, tax issues
FDA Revokes Authorization of J&J's Covid Vaccine as Demand Wane
FDA approves world's first RSV vaccine, a shot for adults ages 60 and up
Mpox outbreak was wake-up call for smallpox preparation, vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic says
Biden's COVID vaccine rule for federal contractors was valid, US court rules
FDA advisors recommend replacing original Covid vaccine with bivalent omicron shots for all doses
Senate sends Biden military bill that would lift Covid vaccine mandate for troops and authorize more Ukraine funding
Moderna sues Pfizer/BioNTech for patent infringement over COVID vaccine
Pfizer seeks OK of updated COVID vaccine booster for fall
U.S. CDC advisers back Novavax COVID vaccine for adults
FDA gives emergency use authorization to Novavax's Covid-19 vaccine
CDC panel recommends Moderna two-dose Covid vaccine for kids ages 6 to 17
FDA authorizes coronavirus vaccine for young kids with shots likely next week
UPDATED: FDA panel endorses Covid vaccine for youngest children
F.D.A. advisers recommend that the agency authorize Moderna's vaccine for children 6 to 17.
FDA says Moderna vaccine for youngest children is safe and effective
Opponents of federal vaccine mandate seek rehearing
A company with an early contract to produce coronavirus vaccine hid evidence of problems.
Moderna asks the F.D.A. to authorize its vaccine for children under 6
If you got J&J vaccine, consider two mRNA booster shots, CDC data suggest
Moderna says its coronavirus vaccine for young children is safe, but efficacy is...more complicated
A new Covid vaccine shows 100 percent efficacy against severe disease and hospitalizations
Coronavirus vaccine for young children further delayed as FDA says it will wait for data
J.&J. Pauses Production of Its Covid Vaccine Despite Persistent Need
Pfizer applies to the F.D.A. for a two-shot vaccine for children under 5, despite mixed trial result
FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds
Pfizer says blood samples showed a third dose of its vaccine provides significant protection against
New York City sets sweeping vaccine mandate for all private employers.
With federal sign-offs, all American adults now eligible for coronavirus vaccine boosters
The U.S. aims to lift Covid vaccine manufacturing to create a billion doses a year.
White House vaccine rule would require companies and workers to comply by Jan. 4
CDC signs off on children's coronavirus vaccine, allowing providers to begin immunizing kids
CDC panel unanimously recommends Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 in critical step toward
Supreme Court Won't Block Maine's Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers
FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 5 to 11
FDA panel recommends Pfizer's low-dose Covid vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11
FDA panel recommends a booster shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people 18 and older
Pfizer Asks F.D.A. to Authorize Its Covid-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11
YouTube is banning prominent anti-vaccine activists and blocking all anti-vaccine content
Federal judges: NYC can impose vaccine mandate on teachers
Biden to get booster shot of Pfizer vaccine in front of news media
A Federal Judge Blocks A Vaccine Mandate For NYC Teachers
CDC backs Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for millions of seniors and some others
CDC advisers recommend certain adults get booster dose of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine
Second dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine increases protection against covid-19, maker says
Low dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11
FDA vaccine advisers vote to recommend booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine in people 65 and older
U.S. to buy hundreds of millions more doses of Pfizer vaccine to donate to the world
Biden to announce sweeping vaccine mandates as he unveils new Covid strategy
Philly public schools to mandate COVID-19 vaccine
Pentagon to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for military
The F.D.A. is aiming to give full approval to Pfizer's Covid vaccine on Monday.
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden to get coronavirus vaccine boosters
CDC advisers back third vaccine doses for immunocompromised people
CDC guidance now official: Pregnant women should get coronavirus vaccine
Anti-vaccine protesters tried to storm the BBC's offices. But they had the wrong address.
WHO calls for moratorium on Covid vaccine boosters at least through September
F.D.A. Aims to Give Final Approval to Pfizer Vaccine by Early Next Month
CA Mandates COVID Vaccine Proof For State Employees, Health-Care Workers
V.A. Issues Employee Vaccine Mandate, a First for a Federal Agency
Moderna says that its vaccine is effective for 12- to 17-year-olds and that it will seek F.D.A. auth
Biden says US will send 20M more vaccine doses to other countries
CDC advisers recommend coronavirus vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds
FDA authorizes Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years old
Pfizer and BioNTech apply for full U.S. approval for their Covid vaccine.
W.H.O. approves China's Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use.
Baltimore Vaccine Plant's Troubles Ripple Across 3 Continents
Biden to set new goal of 70 percent of Americans getting at least one vaccine dose by July 4
White House plans to redistribute unordered vaccine supply, telling states: Use it or lose it
U.S. to share up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine with other countries
J.&J.s vaccine should carry warning of potential risk for rare blood clots, the E.U.s regulator says
CDC vaccine advisers seek more data on rare blood clots before deciding whether to resume J&J shots
UPDATE: U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Clotting Cases
AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine plausibly linked to rare brain clots, European regulators say
Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is delayed by a U.S. factory mix-up.
Biden moves up timeline for when enough vaccine doses will be available for all adults: end of May
Biden to announce 'historic partnership': Merck will help make Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine
CDC advisers recommend Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, paving the way for inoculations
FDA authorizes Johnson & Johnson's single-shot coronavirus vaccine, adding to the nation's arsenal
FDA advisers recommend authorization of Johnson & Johnson single-dose coronavirus vaccine
FDA review confirms safety and efficacy of single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine
F.D.A. Agrees Moderna Can Increase Vaccine Supply in Each Vial
Biden to announce his administration has secured 200 million additional vaccine doses promised
EU regulators recommend authorization of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine
Single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine 66 percent effective against moderate and severe illness
Novavax's Vaccine Works Well -- Except on Variant First Found in South Africa
Biden administration seeks to buy 200 million more vaccine doses, to be delivered through the summer
Moderna Says Vaccine Still Protects Against Virus Variants
Pfizer Will Ship Fewer Vaccine Vials to Account for 'Extra' Doses
The Trump administration bailed out prominent anti-vaccine groups during a pandemic
Biden lays out covid vaccine plan, with goal of 100 million shots administered in 100 days
Vaccine reserve was already exhausted when Trump administration vowed to release it
Trump administration reverses stance, will no longer hold back second shots of coronavirus vaccine
FDA authorizes a second coronavirus vaccine, a turning point in the pandemic
FDA advisers recommend second coronavirus vaccine, with agency action expected soon
FDA review clears path for second coronavirus vaccine, this one developed by Moderna
The first vaccine has been given in New York beginning America's most ambitious vaccination campaign
A C.D.C. panel has endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 and over.
Covid-19 vaccine shipments to begin leaving Pfizer's Kalamazoo facility on Sunday
F.D.A. Clears Pfizer Vaccine, and Millions of Doses Will Be Shipped Right Away
White House orders FDA chief to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Friday or submit his resignation
FDA advisers recommend Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, with agency action expected soon
FDA review confirms safety and efficacy of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine
Moderna to ask the FDA to greenlight its coronavirus vaccine
Pfizer and BioNTech will seek regulatory clearance of their coronavirus vaccine
Pfizer and BioNTech say final analysis shows coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective
Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is more than 90 percent effective in first analysis, company reports
Russia unveils coronavirus vaccine, claiming victory in global race before final testing is complete
I know you won't look at them because news sources are "anonymous internet". 
I think you need to take a break from the computer.
Seriously.
but that you are attempting to mindlessly argue about. Jha is saying nothing different than what Fauci has said during the worst of the pandemic before retiring, and who continues to say this during appearances when asked about it.
The vaccines are not "cures". They help the body to create the right type of antibodies and other "defenses" to "attack", and break down the virus, while other processes "clear the debris" created after the viruses are broken down. Then the next time the body encounters a similar-looking "intruder", it has that "memory", and will call out the newly learned-about defenses again - but this time a bit quicker.
The key here is whether the new "intruder" is similar enough to trigger those defenses and that's why epidemiologists follow those mutations so that vaccines can be adjusted to adapt to any changes. It's as simple as that.
SARS-CoV-2 has gone through many transitions through mutations (mostly of its spike proteins) over the past 3 years, that have affected how it infects someone and what it does when it it does infect someone.
But one of the most fascinating things to come out of this whole tragedy has been the evolution and deployment of mRNA vaccines. These are truly a game-changer, because not only are they being successfully used for COVID, but are being worked on for Influenza and other viruses, where at some point in the near future, there is expected to be a "universal" vaccine able to trigger the right type of immune reaction to thwart many classes of viruses, not just a narrow subset.
THIS is what I am focused on.
Take a look at this cool "misinformation".
But then as a non-scientist, you might get indoctrinated by that "truth bomb"! 
who is "stuck on stupid", but that's how life can be sometimes.
isn't a lab and no one really knows how these kits (or their components) are stored before final packaging and being shipped to pharmacies (including non-air-conditioned brown trucks ).
And this is not even taking into consideration that these are "consumer test kits", not "lab grade" medical test devices, and the solution is not in (glass) "jars" but in plastic tubes (with whatever permeability varying with the type of plastic used). Using some kind of thin glass vessel for solution storage might help but might also raise the cost.
The fact that FDA has allowed the earliest kits to "expire" should be a clue. This wouldn't preclude adjustments to the solution and/or even the strips to confirm no significant reduction in the reaction (where since these are qualitative and not quantitative, they don't have to be precise - just able to detect viral fragments and get enough of a reaction to cause a color change on the test strip).
This mentions some of the typical components of the reagent - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8786400/
(retired ACS-certified chemist here 
)
but not all. I know we had some that stayed in a hood and others in a walk-in fridge, and still others in a "bomb-proof" storage room in the basement of our building (e.g., stuff like ether, which was kept in metal cans). Also had chained gas tanks down near the loading dock in a special caged area. 
These are supposed to be "cheap" (in a relative sense) consumer test kits that are not even expected to be disposed of as "hazardous" or "medical waste", so with the caveat of businesses thinking "planned obsolescence" = more $$$, I don't think they put that much thought in long-term storage.
And no, this is not a "CYA" maneuver by FDA. It's based on the fact that if a firm supplies data that shows that their test kits are still viable and continue to provide a similar range of detectability beyond the original expected period of time, then the agency will accept and announce the extension. Otherwise they will allow the tests to "expire" upon the date on the package. It's as simple as that.
It's been done for decades - notably for DOD - and has been deployed for the government stockpiles of medicines, etc. - https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/expiration-dating-extension
I know people think federal employees are like sloths from the movie "Zootopia" but I can tell you that this is not the case having been there done that for over 30 years.
and the analyses I have done, so the lectures are necessary.
There are protocols that have deployed for medical device test kits by CDRH, in consultation with CBER and CDER as necessary, and these have been in place for many many years. "Shelf-life extension" testing is "a thing", and making assumptions like you have is disingenuous.
Bad news is that if you've been vaccinated, you might be more vulnerable to this new variant. 
It just keeps getting weirder with this virus.
And I think they are going to have to confirm that either way. Now that they have the genomic analysis of this latest, they could randomly go back to any samples taken from around the time this variant was reported overseas, to see if patients' samples here matched. They only rarely do sequencing on samples as it is time-consuming but they probably will spend some time to look for it - particularly since they have apparently found it in some of the waste-water samples at locations that test for COVID. Meanwhile, the manufacturers of the test will be confirming either way as well as it would be "good for marketing".
I would also note that given the annual flu shot is often hit or miss too, it is sort of par for the course with vaccines, although for this virus, the better they can target, the better to be able to reduce the damage the virus can do.
which is why a century later, we weren't going to make the same mistake twice!!