FDA and CDC Update Guidelines Amid Omicron + Life Science Trends for 2022 – Xtalks Life Science Podcast Ep. 42

In the first episode of 2022, Ayesha provided updates on Omicron and COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The FDA expanded authorization of booster doses of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine to youth between 12 and 15 years of age, authorized a third primary dose for immunocompromised children between five and 11 years old and a shorter wait time to get a booster for individuals 12 and older. Meanwhile, the CDC reduced isolation and quarantine periods by half to five days. The team discussed the implication of these updates and despite the direness of the current situation, expressed hope in seeing the pandemic end soon.

Ayesha also discussed some of the predicted trends in the life sciences for 2022. These include the continued promise of RNA-based vaccines as well as therapeutics based on RNA editing approaches for the treatment of various conditions including rare genetic diseases. Digital transformation in healthcare is another significant trend that will continue into 2022. Tools like wearable technologies, electronic data capture and the integration of AI approaches are enabling the digital transformation of healthcare to help improve and revolutionize patient care.