A Food and Drug Administration panel has recommended the emergency-use approval of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.
This paves the way for it to become the first single-dose vaccine approved for use in the US.
The vaccine advisory panel voted unanimously for the agency commissioner to issue emergency-use approval.
Its decision makes Johnson & Johnson the third approved vaccine in the US, following vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, both approved last December.
Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine has the advantage of being a single-dose shot that can be stored in a regular refrigerator, whereas the other vaccines require two doses.
At first, Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine appeared to require ultra-cold storage, but the FDA approved the company's claim that the vaccine did not actually need it.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was found to be 72 per cent effective in a US trial, but less so in South Africa and South America, with variants threatening the efficacy of vaccines.
FDA briefing documents also stated that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was effective in reducing the risk of Covid-19, preventing asymptomatic infections and avoiding medical intervention.
No patient in the vaccine trial was admitted to hospital or died from Covid-19.
Bahrain was the first country to issue emergency approval of the vaccine.
The panel held a day-long meeting to review information, discuss concerns and address questions about the vaccine before it held its vote.
The FDA is not bound to follow what the panel recommends, but it often does.
Its commissioner could issue the emergency-use approval within the next few days.
President Joe Biden's administration has ordered 100 million doses from Johnson & Johnson.
The company says it is ready to send out 20 million in March, after it receives full approval, and projects it can send the remaining 80 million by June.
The US is dealing with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world, with the highest death toll and the most recorded cases.
It passed 500,000 fatalities on Tuesday.
The vaccination programme is well under way in the US. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report more than 14 per cent of Americans have received one vaccine dose, while 6.8 per cent have been fully vaccinated.
Cases, deaths and hospital admissions had been on the decline from the worst surge in December and January until this week, when the downward trend appears to have stalled.
There is growing concern that with new highly transmissible variants spreading, there may be another small surge of cases.
The expectation is that the UK variant will become the dominant US coronavirus strain in March, while health authorities are monitoring ones detected in California and New York.
The rise of new variants is further emphasising the need for widespread vaccination.
Centres for Disease Control Director Rochelle Walensky said at the White House Covid-19 task force briefing Friday: "We may be done with the virus but clearly the virus is not done with us."
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23
Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3
Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
Gully Boy
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
Rating: 4/5 stars
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
