Top in ID: COVID-19 vaccine data, clash over remdesivir

An interim analysis that showed a COVID-19 vaccine candidate cocreated by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had an average efficacy of 70% and no significant safety concerns was the top infectious disease story of the week.

Another top story was the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s continued recommendation regarding remdesivir for patients with severe COVID-19, even though WHO recommended against the medication’s use in any hospitalized patients.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below.

COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, Oxford is up to 90% efficacious

An interim analysis of clinical trial results in the United Kingdom and Brazil showed that a COVID-19 vaccine candidate codeveloped by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had an average efficacy of 70% with no significant safety concerns. Read more.

IDSA continues to recommend remdesivir for COVID-19, departing from WHO

The Infectious Diseases Society of America said it will continue to recommend remdesivir for patients with severe COVID-19 despite a guideline from WHO last week that recommended against its use in any hospitalized patients. Read more.

FDA OKs baloxavir marboxil as postexposure prophylaxis for flu

The FDA has expanded the approval of baloxavir marboxil to include postexposure prophylaxis for influenza in patients aged 12 years or older who have had contact with an infected person. Read more.

HIV prevalence higher among hospitalized COVID-19 patients

New data from a systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that the prevalence of HIV was higher among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 than in the general population. Read more.

Projection shows COVID-19 cases could nearly double by inauguration

The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States could nearly double — or worse — before the inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden on Jan. 20, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Read more.