In this issue

As with many things on this planet, viruses constantly evolve and adapt over time. While some of these new variants can disappear on their own, other mutations emerge and persist – creating serious public health problems. We have already seen multiple variants of the virus that causes Covid-19 documented in the UK, US, South Africa and Brazil. 

Understanding where these variants come from and how they spread is crucial for researchers, but how do you get the necessary data to answer these questions? In the UK, one solution has come in the form of whole genome sequencing of positive SARS-CoV-2 virus samples to map how Covid-19 spreads and evolves. The results, it is hoped, will help build a national real-time genomic surveillance system to help tackle the pandemic. But how do you track the evolution of a virus? We find out. 

Also in this issue, we examine the ongoing ‘silent pandemic’ of anti-microbial resistance and the World Health Organization’s new approach to the problem, find out if the online pharmacy market is ready for the arrival of Amazon Pharmacy, and investigate the need for ‘honest brokers’ to help encourage communities of colour to accept a Covid-19 vaccine.

Plus, we find out exactly what it takes to deliver a billion vaccine doses to patients around the world and get the latest insight and analysis from GlobalData.

All this and more in this latest issue of Pharma Technology Magazine.

Eloise Mclennan, editor