Author Archives: Science Media Centre
results from REMAP-CAP trial – updated analysis on tocilizumab and sarilumab for ICU patients with severe COVID-19
The REMAP-CAP trial (Randomised, Embedded, Multi-factorial, Adaptive Platform Trial for Community-Acquired Pneumonia), which began in March 2020, has been trialling … read more
expert reaction to preprint from the REMAP-CAP trial looking at tocilizumab and sarilumab in critically ill COVID-19 patients
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, looks at Interleukin-6 receptor agonists, tocilizumab and sarilumab, in critically ill COVID-19 patients. … read more
expert general comment on travel restrictions and COVID-19
A few journalists have asked us about this topic, so here is a general comment from Professor Mark Jit ahead … read more
expert reaction to study looking at convalescent plasma in older patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) looks at convalescent plasma therapy to prevent severe COVID-19 … read more
expert reaction to Defra consultation on gene editing
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have published a consultation today on gene editing. Comments sent out … read more
expert comments about nurseries staying open during the current lockdown
During this third national lockdown, nurseries have been allowed to remain open whilst primary and secondary schools have closed. … read more
expert reaction to EMA recommending the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for authorisation in the EU
It has been announced today that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine Moderna for authorisation in … read more
expert reaction to ONS stats on deaths registered in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 25 December 2020
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the … read more
expert reaction to daily reported cases topping 60,000; and to ONS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey ad hoc release estimating around 2% of people or 1 in 50 in England had COVID-19
The number of people that have tested positive today for COVID-19 passed 60,000, and an ad hoc release from the … read more
expert reaction to government’s aim to have offered the first COVID-19 vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups by mid-February
Several journalists have asked us about the government’s vaccination timeline, so here are some comments from scientists. Comments sent … read more
expert reaction to PM’s announcement of national lockdown
In his address to the nation this evening, the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown to begin from midnight tonight. … read more
expert reaction to the UK variant and whether it’s responsible for the recent rise in infections
In a statement from no. 10 it was suggested that the new UK variant led to the rapid rise in … read more
expert comment on combining different COVID-19 vaccine doses
Comments from scientists on combining different COVID-19 vaccines in a heterologous prime-boost regimen. Prof Helen Fletcher, Professor of Immunology … read more
expert reaction to the South African variant
Several journalists have asked us about the South African variant of SARS-CoV-2, so here are some comments from scientists. … read more
expert comment on whether giving two doses of COVID vaccine separated by a longer period is sensible
Comments from scientists on dose spacing of the COVID-19 vaccines. Prof Sheila Bird, formerly Programme Leader, MRC Biostatistics Unit, … read more
expert reaction to the new Imperial pre-print on the new SARS-CoV-2 variant
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, posted by Imperial College London reports on the transmission of the new SARS-CoV-2 … read more
expert reaction to number of COVID-related deaths reported today
The UK has recorded its highest daily increase in deaths since April, with 981 people dying within 28 days of … read more
expert reaction to the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine being approved for use in the UK by the MHRA
It has been announced this morning that the UK government has accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products … read more
expert reaction to latest ONS Infection Survey data
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
expert reaction to more areas of England moving up into tier 4 (and others into tiers 3 and 2) from Boxing Day
Matt Hancock announced that from Boxing Day a number of regions in England would move up into tier 4 (and … read more