COVID-19 Precautions ⁤Urged Ahead of Chuseok⁣ Holiday as Hospitalizations ⁤Remain High

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA -​ South Korean health officials are urging heightened​ vigilance against COVID-19 as ⁤the Chuseok ‌holiday approaches, citing continued high hospitalization rates despite a slight ⁤recent decrease. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) emphasized‍ the need for preventative ⁤measures due to anticipated large-scale movements and gatherings during the conventional harvest festival.

While the number of COVID-19 inpatients ⁣in hospital-level medical institutions decreased slightly from 459 to 428‍ between September 14-20, levels remain significantly elevated ⁣compared to‍ earlier this ⁢year ⁢and are comparable to the same period in 2023. The current figures represent a considerable increase from the 63 inpatients recorded during the 26th week of the year​ (June 22-28), with a rise observed over the subsequent 11‍ weeks.

The KDCA reports that 61% ⁢(263) of ⁤current COVID-19 inpatients are aged 65 ⁢and older, followed‌ by 17.5%⁣ (75) in the 50-64 age group, and‍ 10.4% (45) between 19-49 years old. the virus detection rate was 31.1% in the 38th week, a slight increase from⁢ the previous week, though it has‍ been generally decreasing as peaking at 39% in the 36th week. Sewage surveillance also indicates ⁣a decline ‍in virus concentration.

Despite⁤ anticipating a potential decrease in cases after this month, the KDCA ​is closely monitoring the⁢ situation, recognizing the ⁣potential impact of increased social interaction during the Chuseok holiday. KDCA Commissioner ​Lim Seung-kwan⁣ advised high-risk groups, notably seniors, to minimize participation in large gatherings and to⁢ wear ⁤masks when attending events. He also urged individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms to seek prompt medical care and encouraged adherence to preventative measures such as handwashing, indoor ventilation, and cough etiquette to ensure a healthy Chuseok festivity.

FutureChem Completes U.S.⁤ Clinical Trial Enrollment for Novel Prostate⁤ Cancer Treatment

[CITY, STATE] – FutureChem, a radiopharmaceutical company, announced today the successful completion of patient⁣ enrollment in its U.S.clinical⁣ trial evaluating FC705 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The trial, initiated in May 2024, enrolled ⁣20⁣ patients across six ⁣hospitals, including the University⁣ of Maryland Medical Center, and concluded enrollment approximately 15 months later.

Prostate cancer ⁣is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in‌ the United States, wiht roughly 270,000 new cases annually. mCRPC‍ represents the most‍ advanced stage of the disease, characterized by resistance to standard hormone therapies.

FutureChem anticipates FC705 will demonstrate a strong therapeutic effect with minimized side ⁤effects, utilizing half the dosage⁢ compared to competing treatments. The company expects U.S. trial results to mirror positive outcomes observed in prior Korean clinical trials.​ Data analysis will be conducted by a U.S.-based contract research association (CRO) following the completion of final patient ⁤observation periods.

According to FutureChem officials, ‌the effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals hinges on rapid initial ⁢tumor uptake and sustained retention. The company⁣ highlights FC705’s‌ leading ⁤intake rate (%ID/G) among prostate cancer drugs in development, increasing the potential for technology transfer agreements with ​global pharmaceutical firms.

The radiopharmaceutical treatment (RPT)⁤ market for prostate cancer is experiencing⁤ ample growth, extending beyond tertiary treatment options to ⁢include secondary and primary care settings. Novartis’ Pluvicto generated $1.39 billion in revenue last year and $830 million⁤ in⁤ the first half of this‍ year.

FutureChem is preparing to submit an⁤ submission for Phase 3⁣ clinical ‍approval and conditional authorization for FC705.

Harim & Central Vaccine Research Institute Partner to Combat Evolving Poultry Disease Threat

Seoul, South korea – november 21, 2023 – in a move to bolster the domestic poultry industry, harim Co., Ltd., a leading South Korean food and biotechnology company, and the Central Vaccine Research Institute (CVRI), a key player in animal health vaccine growth, have signed a strategic research agreement. The collaboration aims to address the increasing challenges posed by rapidly mutating infectious bronchitis (IB) virus strains impacting poultry farms nationwide.

This partnership comes at a critical time. Infectious bronchitis, a highly contagious viral disease, causes important economic losses for poultry farmers due to reduced egg production, poor weight gain, and increased mortality. The IB virus is notorious for its high mutation rate, rendering existing vaccines less effective over time and necessitating continuous research and development of new preventative measures. Recent outbreaks in key poultry-producing regions like North Chungcheong Province and south Jeolla Province have highlighted the urgency for improved disease control.

Under the agreement, harim will leverage its extensive network of contracted farms – numbering over 1,200 across South Korea – to monitor respiratory disease prevalence and build a comprehensive database of IB virus strains. This will involve collecting samples and detailed information from affected birds. The CVRI, based in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, will then utilize this data to develop and commercialize next-generation vaccines capable of combating a wider range of IB virus variations.

“This research agreement is a vrey valuable first step to secure future growth engines through win-win development and new technological innovation of both companies,” stated Harim CEO Ho-seok Chung during the signing ceremony. “We will work together to play an important role in opening the future of the lasting livestock industry and ultimately contribute to the strengthening of the domestic poultry industry.”

CVRI CEO Yoon In-joong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project. “This agreement is not just a promise on paper, but a foothold for the two companies to share their positions in the poultry industry. I look forward to becoming a more solid partner who makes practical results for each other based on trust and cooperation.”

The collaboration represents a synergy of expertise: Harim’s strength lies in its systematic farm management practices and data analysis capabilities, while the CVRI boasts advanced vaccine development and manufacturing technology. The companies anticipate that triumphant vaccine development will not only enhance disease control among domestic poultry farmers but also strengthen south Korea’s overall biosecurity measures for livestock.

Beyond immediate economic benefits, the partnership aims to create a safer livestock habitat and contribute to the provision of healthier poultry products to consumers. The long-term goal is to establish a robust national defense system against evolving poultry diseases, ensuring the sustainability of the South Korean poultry industry.

Reporter Kim mi-kyung of Medical Today contributed to this report.

[메디컬투데이=김미경 기자] The number of COVID-19 inpatients has seen a consistent increase over the past four weeks, leading to heightened tensions between public health officials and the medical community.

As of the 29th week of the year (July 20-26), there were 139 COVID-19 inpatients, according to data released by the Korea disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on August 1st. This marks a rise from the 123 inpatients recorded in the preceding week (July 13-19).

The weekly inpatient count has been on an upward trend for four consecutive weeks, starting from 63 in the 25th week (June 15-21), followed by 101 in the 26th week, 103 in the 27th week, 123 in the 28th week, and reaching 139 in the 29th week.

While the current inpatient numbers are not as high as the 1,441 recorded in August of the previous year, health authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further increases by early August.

In response to this trend, the KDCA convened a meeting with its COVID-19 Response Team on July 28th to discuss the current situation, treatment utilization, and response strategies.

Though, the government’s decision to halt the supply of COVID-19 treatment drugs has reportedly caused confusion within the medical field.

the Infection Response Committee of the Korean Medical Association stated on July 30th that obtaining COVID-19 treatment drugs has become difficult at local pharmacies since the government suspended direct supply and shifted the procurement method through the market distribution network.

Consequently, the association has urged the government to address the inconvenience faced by the public by ensuring the availability of COVID-19 treatment drugs at the frontline of healthcare.

The association further emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the KDCA and other health authorities to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Reporter Kim Mi-kyung (Sallykim0113@mdtoday.co.kr)

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