Coronavirus Update: Omicron-specific boosters may be available soon

PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.

View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions By Eve Sneider | 08.25.22 As the news keeps evolving, we're here to bring you the most reliable coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe to support our journalism. Jill Biden experiences a rebound, Japan loosens travel requirements, and Dr. Fauci announces his retirement. But first, here's this week's big story: Drugmakers seek FDA approval for Omicron-specific boosters This week, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech both asked the FDA to issue emergency use authorizations for updated Covid-19 boosters that are formulated to target Omicron, in addition to the original strain of the virus. In an interview, the top regulator at the agency said his team was close to authorizing the shots, which could make them available shortly after Labor Day. Though these formulations haven't been tested in humans, he said the data was "extremely good." Pfizer is seeking authorization for Americans 12 and up, and Moderna for all adults in the US. In the UK, Moderna's booster has already been approved for use. If approved in the US, these will be the first shots formulated to target a version of the virus other than the original strain that was identified in late 2019. Drugmakers have pointed out that while mRNA shots are theoretically easier to tailor to mutating viruses, testing and manufacturing at scale still takes time. Headlines Jill Biden tested positive for Covid again yesterday, three days after exiting quarantine. Though she is experiencing a rebound case, her office reports that no symptoms have returned. (The New York Times) Japan's prime minister announced yesterday that the country will stop requiring vaccinated travelers to provide proof of a negative test before entering the country. (NPR) After leading the NIAID for nearly 40 years and serving as President Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci has announced that he will retire in December. (The Washington Post) Starting next week, hospitals in England will no longer conduct routine Covid tests for people who are asymptomatic. Immunocompromised patients and those with symptoms will still be tested regularly. (The Guardian) Two weeks after its leader declared victory over Covid-19, North Korea has reported four new cases of a "malignant virus," one of its pseudonyms for SARS-CoV-2. (Al Jazeera) Science Spotlight Polio Is Back in the US and UK. Here's How That Happened Many were shocked to learn earlier this month that a young man in New York had been partially paralyzed by polio. Some experts were less surprised. Humans Are Revisiting the Moon—and the Rules of Spacefaring Laws governing space exploration haven't changed much in decades. The US-led Artemis Accords lay out an updated vision, but some countries aren't on board. Daily Distraction Black goo has been terrorizing sci-fi characters on the small screen. It looks like the substance may be slinking into the real world too. Something to Read Imaginary friends. Cannibalism. Alien life. In her writing, novelist Sayaka Murata shines a spotlight on the absurdities of being a human. Sanity Check The end of the summer is approaching. Here are a few of the best Labor Day deals. GET WIRED Get WIRED for just $29.99 $5. Includes the print edition plus editor in chief Gideon Lichfield's column, System Update. Subscribe now. Have questions or comments? Reply to this email.   This email was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our email address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions   Copyright © Condé Nast 2022. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.