New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) A meeting of the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is currently underway to discuss the permission sought by vaccine developer Bharat Biotech to conduct clinical trials of its intranasal vaccine for the coronavirus. Days after getting the Drugs Controller General of India's nod for restricted emergency use of India's first indigenously-made coronavirus vaccine, Bharat Biotech had applied to the drug regulator for permission to start Phase 1 and 2 trials of their nasal coronavirus vaccine. The nasal vaccine is different from the intramuscular vaccine which recently got approval, as it is non-invasive, needle-free, doesn't require trained healthcare workers, eliminates needle-associated risks, suits children and adults and has scalable manufacturing. Clinical trials of Bharat Biotech's 'BBV154' - a novel adenovirus vectored intranasal vaccine for coronavirus -- will be conducted at various locations, a top source privy to the development told IANS. The vaccine will be single-dosed. According to the firm, an intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response at the site of infection, in the nasal mucosa, which is essential for blocking both infection and transmission of Covid-19. The vaccine has demonstrated protective efficacy in mice and hamsters. Mice and hamsters immunised with its single-dose were conferred superior protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, "more so than one or two intramuscular immunisations of the same vaccine and dose". "Thus, intranasal immunisation of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S can create an immune response in the nose, which is the point of entry for the virus, thereby protecting against disease, infection and transmission," Bharat Biotech said in a statement. On January 3, two intramuscular vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved for restricted emergency use and have been administered to over three lakh people till now. Both are two-dose vaccines. While the full efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be determined, it was given go-ahead by the DCGI citing 'public interest'. Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccine by Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Public health experts believe that intranasal vaccines for coronavirus, administered through the nose rather than muscles, can be a potential gamechanger in India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Last month, Pune-based Serum Insititute of India and Codagenix Inc had announced that they have received regulatory approval in the UK to begin an early-stage trial of their single-dose, intranasal coronavirus vaccine. --IANS aka/vd

CDSCO meet on Bharat Biotech's nasal vaccine trial underway

<ul><li>Altimmune fell as much as 10% on Thursday after the FDA issued a clinical hold on the company's new drug application for AdCOVID, an intranasal <keyword id="8904563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> candidate.</li><li>Despite the clinical hold, Altimmune said it does not anticipate a significant impact to its clinical development timeline for the vaccine candidate.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/alt-stock">Altimmune</a>, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, fell as much as 10% on Thursday after the <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/12/23/2150256/0/en/Altimmune-Provides-an-Update-on-its-Investigational-New-Drug-Application-for-a-Phase-1-AdCOVID-Clinical-Trial.html">FDA issued a clinical hold</a> on the company's <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> vaccine candidate.AdCOVID is a single-dose intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate in early stages of development by Altimmune. The FDA has requested certain protocol modifications and submission of additional chemistry, manufacturing and controls data.Altimmune has responded to the FDA's clinical hold letter and at this point does not anticipate a significant impact to its overall development timeline for the vaccine candidate.Altimmune has surged 557% year-to-date as of Wednesday's close as investors bid up potential COVID-19 vaccine developers.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/investing-strategy-brexit-uk-equities-fund-managers-market-strategists-2020-12?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Wall Street heavyweights to boutique investment firms, we break down what 7 fund managers and market strategists think about Brexit as the 'midnight hour' approaches</a><div type="image" title="alt.JPG" height="689" width="841" msid="79943382" hostid="261"></div>

Clinical hold on COVID-19 vaccine candidate sends Altimmune down 10%

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Days after getting Drugs Controller General of India's (DCGI) nod for India's first indigenously-made coronavirus vaccine, Bharat Biotech has again knocked on the doors of the drug controller seeking permission to conduct clinical trials of their intranasal vaccine for the viral disease. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has applied to the DGCI for permission to start Phase 1 and 2 trials of their nasal coronavirus vaccine, top sources privy to the development told IANS. Clinical trials of the 'BBV154' - a novel adenovirus vectored, intranasal vaccine for coronavirus -- will be conducted at various locations. The vaccine will be a single-dose one. The nasal vaccine is different from the two intramuscular vaccines which recently got approval, due to being non-invasive, needle-free, not requiring trained healthcare workers, eliminating needle-associated risks, and suitable for children and adults, having scalable manufacturing. According to the firm, an intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response at the site of infection, in the nasal mucosa, which is essential for blocking both infection and transmission of Covid-19. The vaccine has demonstrated protective efficacy in mice and hamsters. Mice and hamsters immunised with its single dose conferred superior protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, "more so than one or two intramuscular immunisations of the same vaccine and dose". "Thus, intranasal immunisation of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S can create an immune response in the nose, which is the point of entry for the virus, thereby protecting against disease, infection and transmission," Bharat Biotech said in a statement. On January 3, two intramuscular vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved for restricted emergency use. Both are two-dose vaccines. While the full efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be determined, it was given go-ahead by the DCGI citing 'public interest'. Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccine by Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). (Aakanksha Khajuria can be contacted at aakanksha.k@ians.in) --IANS aka/arm

Bharat Biotech seeks DCGI's nod to conduct nasal Covid vaccine trials

New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Tuesday recommended Bharat Biotech's intranasal vaccine for coronavirus for phase 1 clinical trials. The final call will now be taken by the Drugs Controller General of India. Days after getting the Drugs Controller General of India's nod for restricted emergency use of India's first indigenously-made coronavirus vaccine, Bharat Biotech had applied to the drug regulator for permission to start the clinical trials of their nasal coronavirus vaccine. The nasal vaccine is different from the intramuscular vaccine which recently got approval, as it is non-invasive, needle-free, doesn't require trained healthcare workers, eliminates needle-associated risks, suits children and adults and has scalable manufacturing. Earlier on Tuesday, Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog had said, "A nasal vaccine candidate has been identified. It has come for consideration for phase 1 and phase 2 trials. If it works then it could be a game-changer." "Phase 1 has been recommended," top government sources told IANS. Clinical trials of Bharat Biotech's 'BBV154' -- a novel adenovirus vectored, and intranasal vaccine for coronavirus -- will be conducted at various locations. The vaccine will be single-dosed. According to the firm, an intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response at the site of infection, in the nasal mucosa, which is essential for blocking both infection and transmission of Covid-19. The vaccine has demonstrated protective efficacy in mice and hamsters. Mice and hamsters immunized with its single-dose conferred superior protection against the SARS-CoV-2 challenge, "more so than one or two intramuscular immunizations of the same vaccine and dose." "Thus, intranasal immunization of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S can create an immune response in the nose, which is the point of entry for the virus, thereby protecting against disease, infection and transmission," Bharat Biotech said in a statement. On January 3, two intramuscular vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute of India were approved for restricted emergency use and have been administered to over four lakh people till now. Both are two-dose vaccines. While the full efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be determined, it was given the go-ahead by the DCGI citing 'public interest'. Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccine by Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Public health experts believe that intranasal vaccines for coronavirus, administered through the nose rather than muscles, can be a potential game-changer in India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Last month, Pune-based Serum Institute of India and Codagenix Inc had announced that they have received regulatory approval in the United Kingdom to begin an early-stage trial of their single-dose, intranasal coronavirus vaccine. (Aakanksha Khajuria can be contacted at aakanksha.k@ians.in) --IANS aka/bg

Expert panel recommends Phase 1 trial of nasal Covid-19 vaccine (IANS Exclusive, Lead)

Washington, Apr 7 () A novel vaccine fully protects mice against a lethal dose of MERS, a close cousin of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, scientists said on Tuesday. The vaccine uses a harmless virus to deliver a MERS coronavirus protein into cells to generate an immune response, said the researchers from researchers at the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia in the US. It may hold promise for developing vaccines against other coronaviruses diseases, including COVID-19, they said. The team tested the MERS vaccine candidate in mice engineered to be susceptible to the MERS coronavirus. The vaccine is an innocuous parainfluenza virus (PIV5) carrying the "spike" protein that MERS uses to infect cells. All the vaccinated mice survived a lethal dose of the MERS coronavirus, according to the results published in the journal mBio. "Our new study indicates that PIV5 may be a useful vaccine platform for emerging coronavirus diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Paul McCray, a professor the University of Iowa. "Using the same strategy, vaccine candidates based on PIV5 expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been generated," McCray said. The researchers are planning more studies in animals to test the ability of PIV5-based vaccines in preventing disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and COVID-19 are both caused by coronaviruses. MERS is deadlier and is fatal in about one third of known cases, but there have been only 2,494 cases since 2012, when the virus first emerged, the researchers said. In contrast, there have been over 1.25 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide since it first emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and almost 70,000 people have died from the disease, they said. The study found that just one, relatively low dose of the vaccine given to the mice intranasally -- inhaled through the nose -- was sufficient to fully protect all the treated mice from a lethal dose of MERS coronavirus. When the researchers analysed the immune responses generated by the vaccine, they found that both antibodies and protective T cells were produced. However, the antibody response was quite weak and it seems most likely that the vaccine's protective effect is due to the T cell response in the mouse lungs. The researchers note several factors that make PIV5 expressing a coronavirus spike protein an appealing platform for vaccine development against emerging coronaviruses. PIV5 can infect many different mammals, including humans, without causing disease, the researchers said. The fact that a low dose of the vaccine was sufficient to protect the mice might be beneficial for creating enough vaccine for mass immunization, the researchers said. Also, the vaccine in the current study was the most effective MERS vaccine to date in animal models of the disease, they said. SARSAR

New MERS vaccine may block coronavirus infections, study shows

Boston, May 21 () Researchers have revealed the components of the immune system in macaques which help them develop immunity to coronavirus re-infection, findings which have helped them uncover the likely protective function a potential vaccine should exhibit. While there are differences between SARS-CoV-2 infection in macaques and humans, the findings, published in the journal Science, offer some of the first evidences that non-human primates can develop protective immunity to COVID-19. According to the researchers, including Indian-origin scientist Abhishek Chandrashekar from Harvard Medical School in the US, one of the questions which remain unanswered is whether infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in protective immunity against re-exposure to the virus. Citing an earlier study, they said macaques were found to be promising models for testing COVID-19 therapeutics, and to get answers to these questions. In two current studies, the researchers explored whether initial exposure to SARS-CoV-2 protected against re-infection, and whether vaccination protected offered protection. In the first study, they developed a macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which captured certain aspects of human infection. The scientists then tested whether nine of the adult animals that had cleared the virus were immune to re-infection 35 days later. According to the study, all nine animals showed little to no symptoms after re-challenge, and exhibited immune responses that protected against the second infection. However, the scientists said additional research will be required to define the durability of natural immunity. Rigorous clinical studies will be required to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively protects against its re-exposure in humans, they said. In the other study, including many of the same researchers, and led by Jingyou Yu from Harvard Medical School, the scientists designed prototypes of SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine candidates. These prototypes expressed six different forms of the the novel coronavirus' spike protein, which is used by the virus to bind and invade human cells. According to the researchers, these vaccine candidates provide DNA that allows host cells to make their own spike proteins so as to generate antibody responses to it. When the scientists vaccinated 35 adult macaques with these vaccines, in initial rounds, and later with booster doses, the animals exhibited similar immune responses to those recovering in the first study by Chandrashekar and his team. When the vaccinated macaques were infected intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 six weeks later, the study reported levels of antibodies in their blood sufficient to neutralise the virus in two weeks' time. The researchers said these levels were similar to those seen in humans recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Protective immunity in the macaques, they said, is likely mediated by an immune system response similar to the one seen in the first study. The scientists believe that their work could accelerate the development of vaccines, but said more research is needed to determine the optimal platforms for one suited for humans. VIS VIS

'How macaques resist coronavirus re-infection decoded, may help develop vaccine'

<ul><li>The new treatment, called a therapeutic interfering particle (TIP), also decreases the amount of virus shed from infected animals. </li><li>Research investigator Sonali Chaturvedi alongside a team of U.S scientists have developed this treatment. </li><li>The team is from Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. </li></ul> A team of US scientists, including research investigator Sonali Chaturvedi, has developed a single-dose, intranasal treatment that not only reduces symptoms of multiple <keyword id="8764262" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">Covid</keyword> variants but also shedding of the virus. In a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team from Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco showed that this new treatment, called a therapeutic interfering particle (TIP), also decreases the amount of virus shed from infected animals and limits transmission of the virus. "To our knowledge, this is the only single-dose antiviral that reduces not only symptoms and severity of Covid-19, but also shedding of the virus," said Chaturvedi, first author of the paper. Historically, it has been exceptionally challenging for antivirals and vaccines to limit the transmission of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. "This study shows that a single, intranasal dose of TIPs reduces the amount of virus transmitted, and protects animals that came into contact with that treated animal," said Gladstone senior investigator Leor <keyword id="3930446" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="weinberger" source="Orion">Weinberger</keyword>. The benefit of TIPs, though, goes beyond their ability to stifle a virus inside infected cells. Since TIPs reside inside the same cells as the virus they target, they evolve at the same time, staying active even as new viral strains emerge. "Over the last few years, many of the challenges of the pandemic have been related to the emergence of new variants," said Chaturvedi. "TIPs would be an ideal treatment because they keep learning as the virus evolves, so they could keep the problem of drug resistance in check," she noted. In the new paper, Weinberger and Chaturvedi studied whether TIPs could also reduce viral shedding -- a separate question from reducing symptoms and viral load. The researchers treated hamsters infected with Covid with the antiviral TIPs and then measured the amount of virus in the animals' noses daily. The initial experiments were done using the Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2. By day 5, all control animals were still shedding high levels of virus, while the virus was undetectable in four out of five TIP-treated animals. When the infected animals were housed in cages with uninfected animals, treatment of the infected animals with TIPs did not fully prevent the transmission of Covid-19. However, it did lead to significantly lower viral loads and milder symptoms of infection in the newly exposed animals. Weinberger's team is now seeking FDA approval for a clinical trial to test the TIPs in humans. "Being able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in this animal setting is quite promising for being able to reduce human-to-human transmission," said Weinberger from Gladstone, which has an academic affiliation with the University of California, San Francisco.

Indian-origin researcher develops antiviral therapy that block Covid transmission

<ul><li>The targeted reporters were Emily Baker-White, who wrote for BuzzFeed and is now at Forbes, and <keyword id="15863221" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="cristina-criddle" source="Orion">Cristina Criddle</keyword> of the <keyword id="35662" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="financial-times" source="Orion">Financial Times</keyword>.</li><li><keyword id="3749909" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bytedance" source="Orion">ByteDance</keyword> said it had restructured its internal audit and risk team and had removed any access to US data from that department.</li><li>The investigation was initiated after an article was published by Forbes, and the inquiry confirms part of that report.</li></ul> ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of <keyword id="6762469" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="tiktok" source="Orion">TikTok</keyword>, said on Thursday that an internal investigation found that employees had inappropriately obtained the data of US TikTok users, including that of two US reporters, according to an email seen by Reuters. The targeted reporters were Emily Baker-White, who wrote for BuzzFeed and is now at Forbes, and Cristina Criddle of the Financial Times, ByteDance said, though it declined to identify other affected TikTok users. ByteDance employees accessed the data as part of an unsuccessful effort to investigate leaks of company information and were aiming to identify potential connections between two journalists and company employees, revealed the email from ByteDance general counsel <keyword id="15860720" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="erich-andersen" source="Orion">Erich Andersen</keyword>. All four employees involved in the scheme were fired, the company said, correcting an earlier statement that one of the four had resigned. Two of those employees were working in China and two were in the United States, reported The <keyword id="53556" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="new-york-times" source="Orion">New York Times</keyword>. ByteDance said it had restructured its internal audit and risk team and had removed any access to US data from that department. Over the summer, a few employees on a ByteDance team responsible for monitoring employee conduct tried to find the sources of suspected leaks of internal conversations and business documents to journalists. In doing so, the employees gained access to the IP addresses and other data of two reporters and a small number of people connected to the reporters via their TikTok accounts. They were trying to determine if those individuals were within proximity of ByteDance employees, according to the company, which added that the efforts failed to find any leaks, reported The New York Times. The investigation was initiated after an article was published by Forbes, and the inquiry confirms part of that report and highlights the privacy and security risks associated with TikTok that US lawmakers, state governors and the <keyword id="6354862" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="trump" source="Orion">Trump</keyword> and <keyword id="60973" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="biden" source="Orion">Biden</keyword> administrations have raised for more than two years. More than a dozen states have banned TikTok from government-issued devices, and the company has been in prolonged negotiations with the administration on security and privacy measures that would block any potential access of US user data by ByteDance and the Chinese government, reported NYT. Taiwan is investigating Douyin International, the Chinese twin of hugely popular TikTok, for allegedly illegally expanding social media business in the island nation, reported Voice of America (VOA). On Monday (December 19), the Mainland Affairs Council of the Executive Yuan, confirmed in a local media report the allegations made by a political affairs member of the Executive Yuan that the Mainland Affairs Council took note of the Chinese company ByteDance's opening of a branch in Taiwan, further accusing it of business expansion and transferring cases involving related operators to criminal offences to the judicial authorities for investigation. App developer ByteDance, headquartered in Beijing, was suspected of running a subsidiary in contravention of a law that restricts a variety of Chinese firms, including social media companies, from operating offices in Taiwan. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/bharat-biotechs-intranasal-covid-vaccine-approved-by-govt-to-be-available-on-co-win/articleshow/96444958.cms">Bharat Biotech's intranasal Covid vaccine approved by govt, to be available on CO-WIN</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/cash-logistics-company-radiant-cash-management-raises-116-crore-from-anchor-investors/articleshow/96445146.cms">Cash-logistics company Radiant Cash Management raises ₹116 crore from anchor investors</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/over-half-of-the-employees-in-india-bored-with-their-current-jobs-indeed/articleshow/96428913.cms">Over half of the employees in India bored with their current jobs: Indeed</a>

TikTok employees spied on US journalists

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Cats sneeze occasionally, and you usually don't need to worry about a stray sneeze or two. </li><li>Respiratory infections, vaccines, allergies, and nasal blockages may cause more frequent sneezing.</li></ul>As a cat owner, you likely pay close attention to any sign that your feline friend feels less than purr-fect — like sneezing. A solitary sneeze is typically nothing to fret over — your cat is probably dislodging some stray dust in their nose.However, sneezing could pose a cause for concern if it happens: <ul><li>Frequently, or at least <a href="https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2212/upper_respiratory_disease_procedures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three times a day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7706966/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multiple times in a row</a>, aka paroxysmal sneezes</li><li>Backwards, aka <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7706966/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reverse sneezing</a> — where your cat compulsively snorts in air</li></ul>Excessive sneezing is often a sign of an issue with your cat's airways. Some of the causes have an easy at-home fix, while others require medical attention. Here are four reasons why your cat keeps sneezing, and what you can do to help.<h2>1. Allergens</h2> "There are several household allergens and irritants that can cause sneezing or coughing in cats," says <a href="https://cooperpetcare.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patrik Holmboe</a>, head veterinarian at <a href="https://cooperpetcare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cooper Pet Care</a>. According to Holmboe, the most common allergens include:<ul><li>Dust</li><li>Mold</li><li>Cigarette smoke</li><li>Cleaning products</li><li>Perfumes</li></ul>These allergens can also cause <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/when-is-allergy-season">breathing issues in humans</a>. However, because cats rely so much on their noses for hunting and communication, they're likely to show symptoms before you do.Cats are like a canary in a coal mine, so to speak, according to <a href="https://thevets.com/about/?_ga=2.193813678.2016818163.1673985808-247604907.1673985808" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephanie Wolf</a>, veterinarian at <a href="https://thevets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Vets</a>. "If the family cat is having trouble breathing, over time whatever is causing it may lead to health problems among human family members, as well," Wolf says. Cats are especially susceptible to smoke. In fact, Wolf says cats commonly have breathing problems in homes where a family member <a href="https://www.insider.com/parents-who-avoid-smoking-at-home-may-still-vape-around-kids-2019-3">smokes indoors</a>. "While they have the strongest reaction to cigarette smoke, the same applies to vaping and cannabis," Wolf says.What to do next: "Whenever a kitty has a breathing problem, the first step is to eliminate everything in the home with an odor," Wolf says. You can clear out the air by:<ul><li>Smoking or vaping outside the home</li><li>Vacuuming carpets regularly</li><li>Cracking open windows on nice days — just make sure your cat can't sneak out</li><li>Putting an <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-air-purifier">air purifier</a> in your cat's favorite room</li></ul>According to Wolf, you may want to schedule a vet appointment if your cat:<ul><li>Sneezes every day or multiple times a day</li><li>Frequently hacks or wheezes</li><li>Breathes rapidly when <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/cat-sleeping-positions">sleeping</a> or relaxing</li><li>Snores loudly </li></ul>Cats with <a href="https://www.insider.com/should-i-bring-my-pet-to-the-vet-2019-7">severe allergies or asthma</a> may benefit from <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-asthma-risky-business-many-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medications</a>, like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or bronchodilators to open up their airways. A vet can prescribe these drugs as an injection, a tablet, or a <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-asthma-risky-business-many-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cat-friendly inhaler</a>.Important: These medications can be effective, but keep in mind they can't erase the effects of an unhealthy environment. "No amount of medications will treat a kitty's breathing problems until the air is clean and fresh," Wolf says.<h2>2. Upper respiratory infections (URIs)</h2>While allergies might be a culprit, your cat's sneezing is much more likely a symptom of an upper respiratory infection (URI), says Holmboe. URIs happen when viruses and bacteria attack your cat's upper airways around their mouth and nose. Many people refer to URIs as "cat flu," although strictly speaking, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/can-dogs-get-the-flu-from-humans">influenza virus</a> is rarely behind these infections.Note: Two viruses — feline herpes virus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) — account for <a href="https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2212/upper_respiratory_disease_procedures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90%</a> of URIs. <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/can-cats-get-covid">SARS-COV-2</a> (COVID-19) can also infect cats, although it rarely causes severe disease for them.According to Holmboe, most cases of the so-called cat "flu" are mild. Your cat will likely be as active and hungry as ever. Along with sneezing, you may notice they have a runny nose and teary eyes.Severe URIs, though less common, may be more likely to affect <a href="https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2212/upper_respiratory_disease_procedures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kittens and older cats</a>. Pay attention to symptoms like:<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Sores around the eyes or in the mouth</li><li>Drooling</li><li>Green, yellow, or bloody discharge coming out of the eyes and nose — this points to a bacteria infection</li></ul>What to do next: Mild URIs generally clear on their own without treatment. You won't need to take your cat to the vet unless they continue sneezing for <a href="https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2212/upper_respiratory_disease_procedures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than a week</a>.Stress can cause symptoms to <a href="https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/sniffle-snort-sneeze-upper-respiratory-infections-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flare up again</a>. To minimize <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-cat-is-stressed-what-to-do">stressors in your cat's life</a>:<ul><li>Ensure they have a quiet area to be alone</li><li>Provide <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/best-cat-scratching-post">scratching posts</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/best-cat-toy">toys</a> to relieve stress</li><li>Keep their <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/best-litter-box">litter box</a> extra clean, scooping at least <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/news/keeping-cats-stress-free" target="_blank" rel="noopener">once a day</a></li></ul>Quick tip: You can encourage your cat to eat by warming up wet food and cutting it into smaller, easy-to-swallow chunks. Consider leaving small quantities of dry food on a separate plate, only offering <a href="https://www.cats.org.uk/media/2212/upper_respiratory_disease_procedures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one option at a time</a>. You can also try moistening dry food so it's easier to eat.Any symptom of a severe URI, however, warrants prompt medical attention. Regardless of what virus caused the symptoms, the <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/feline-calicivirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treatment</a> will generally include medications like:<ul><li>Antibiotics for bacterial infections</li><li>Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for fever and mouth pain</li><li>Vaporizers, saline nose drops, and mucus thinners for congested noses</li></ul>Important: Contact a vet asap if your cat refuses to eat for more than a day or two. <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/feline-calicivirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Three or more days</a> without food can be deadly for cats, so they may need a dose of IV fluids or, in some cases, a brief hospital stay. <h2>3. Vaccines</h2>Vaccines for pets can cause mild side effects, so you may notice some mild sneezing and coughing <a href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/what-expect-after-your-pets-vaccination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two to five days</a> after your cat's vaccinations. Respiratory symptoms are particularly likely if they got an intranasal vaccine — a vaccine sprayed up their nose. What to do next: If your pet develops side effects, just keep an eye on them to make sure the side effects don't get worse.Some pets do have severe allergic reactions to vaccines, though this is fairly rare. Symptoms of a severe reaction may include:<ul><li>Severe coughing or trouble breathing</li><li>Swelling around the face, neck, or eyes</li><li>Itchy red bumps on the skin, called hives</li><li>Persistent vomiting or diarrhea</li></ul>You'll want to take your cat to the vet immediately if they have any of these symptoms shortly after a vaccine — symptoms of a serious allergic reaction usually show up <a href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/what-expect-after-your-pets-vaccination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">within a few hours</a>.<h2>4. Nasal blockages</h2>Curiosity usually doesn't kill the cat — but it can get some interesting objects stuck up your feline friend's nose. According to a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359655063_CT_review_of_upper_respiratory_disorders_in_domestic_cat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 review</a>, the most common foreign objects that appear in a cat's nose are plant materials: blades of grass, seeds, sticks, and sometimes even chunks of pine cone. So, if your <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/indoor-vs-outdoor-cat">outdoor cat</a> suddenly starts sneezing, you can often thank these natural materialsNasal polyps can also clog up your cat's airways. These fleshy growths aren't cancerous, but they can spread and become large enough to <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasopharyngeal-polyps-in-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">block mucus from draining</a> out of the nasal passages. Bacteria in the trapped mucus then have the chance to multiply into a full-blown infection — and your cat may start sneezing in an attempt to expel the germs. What to do next: Nasal blockages can cause many of the same symptoms as URIs, like wheezing and teary eyes. You can tell if your cat has a blockage by checking their nose — or having your vet perform this (dubious) honor. A foreign object will only block the nostril it was inhaled into. Polyps also tend to <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasal-polyps-in-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">favor one side</a> — they often start in the middle ear and spread downward into the airways. Thus, you'll likely see discharge leaving <a href="http://www.medycynawet.edu.pl/images/stories/pdf/pdf2022/052022/2022056644.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only one nostril</a>. Air will come out of the dry, open side, but you won't be able to feel much air coming out the congested half.If an object or polyps are blocking your cat's airways, you'll need to take them to the vet — as the object probably won't come out on its own. Important: Found a blockage in your cat's nose? It's unwise to try fishing it out yourself. Cats don't take kindly to tweezers in their nostrils, and you could easily end up hurting a squirming feline. Even professionals usually need to sedate a cat before poking around their nose. The typical treatment for nasal blockages is a <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/testing-for-sneezing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rhinoscopy</a>. After sedating your pet, the vet will put a flexible tube, called an endoscope, up their nose. The tube has a fiber optic cable that shows your vet what's inside — though they may need to do a CT scan or MRI to find a deep blockage.Once they find the trapped object or polyp, they may use a tiny hook or forceps to pluck it out. If it's a large or complex blockage, though, your cat may need surgery. After removing the object, your vet may prescribe some <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasal-polyps-in-cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take-home antibiotics</a> to prevent infection.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Feline URIs are the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359655063_CT_review_of_upper_respiratory_disorders_in_domestic_cat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most common cause</a> of excessive sneezing and other upper airway concerns. However, your cat's sniffles could also stem from allergies, polyps, vaccine side effects, or simply something stuck up their nose.If your cat's only symptoms are sneezing and a runny nose, you can likely care for them at home. But if your cat also wheezes, has bloody discharge leaking from their nose, or refuses to eat, you'll want to contact your vet right away. These symptoms could signal a serious problem that needs medical attention.

4 reasons why your cat won't stop sneezing, from allergens to nasal blockages

<keyword id="149108" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Biotech">Bharat Biotech</keyword>’s COVID-19 vaccine <keyword id="9485939" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="covaxin">Covaxin</keyword> is being priced at ₹600 for state government hospitals and ₹1200 for <keyword id="6371888" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-hospitals">private hospitals</keyword>, the company said in a press statement, which came out late evening on Saturday. The company also revealed that Covaxin’s export prices have been set at $15-$20. In a statement, Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna M Ella said the company is supplying the vaccine to the central government at ₹150 per dosage and the government on its part is distributing it free of cost. "We would like to state that more than 50 per cent of our capacities have been reserved for central government supplies," Ella said. Recovering the cost is essential in the journey of innovation towards other vaccines such as intranasal Covid-19, Chikungunya, Zika, Cholera and others, he added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-choose-the-right-pulse-oximeter/articleshow/82228819.cms">Pulse oximeter buying guide - here's how to choose the right oximeter for home</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/covid-19-pandemic-has-thrown-the-spotlight-on-a-five-year-old-startup-with-emergency-ambulance-service/articleshow/82229745.cms">COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the spotlight on a five-year old startup with emergency ambulance service⁠</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/the-covid-19-crisis-would-be-much-worse-without-these-good-samaritans-of-india-providing-home-cooked-food-financial-assistance-and-medicines/slidelist/82230244.cms#slideid=82230293">The COVID-19 crisis would be much worse without these good samaritans of India providing home-cooked food, financial assistance and medicines</a>

Covaxin priced at ₹600 and ₹1200 for state and private hospitals respectively

In a move to protect the state's farmers and agriculture, Punjab Chief Minister <keyword id="6361287" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amarinder-singh">Amarinder Singh</keyword> on Tuesday presented in the Vidhan Sabha a draft resolution rejecting outright the Centre's "anti-farmer" laws and the proposed electricity amendment Bill, with an appeal to all parties to rise above political interests in the spirit of saving the agrarian state. The draft resolution seeks annulment of the farm laws and the proposed Electricity Bill, as well as promulgation of "a fresh ordinance making the procurement of food grains on the minimum support price (MSP) a statutory right of the farmers and continue with procurement by the Government of India through the FCI and other such agencies". Regretting that several legislators indulged in frivolous activities on Monday to gain political mileage, with some coming in tractors and some spending the night in the Assembly precincts in protest against non-receipt of his government's Bills, the Chief Minister said he had signed the same at 9.30 p.m., after extensive discussions and consultations with various experts. Such delays in sharing copies of Bills happen in emergent session, he said, pointing to something similar happening when his government had brought in the Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Act during his last tenure in 2004. Amarinder Singh said the Bills being presented on Tuesday, the second day of the special assembly session, would form the basis of the state's legal battle ahead and, hence, needed to be thoroughly vetted before presentation. The draft resolution expresses the deep regret of the state legislative assembly over the "callous and inconsiderate attitude of the Government of India in attending to the concerns of the farming community on recent allegedly farm legislation enacted by them". It reads that the assembly is constrained to unanimously reject the three (farm) legislations and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Referring to The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, the draft resolution notes that the Union Government had converted the relevant farm ordinances into Acts and notified the same on September 24 and 26 even though the concerns and sentiments of the House were conveyed to the Prime Minister through letter of September 14 by the Chief Minister. "These three legislations along with the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020 are clearly against the interests of farmers and landless workers, and time-tested agriculture marketing system established not only in Punjab but also in original green revolution areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh," it said, adding the Government of India had clearly enacted trade legislations and not farm legislations. Further, said the draft resolution, these laws are also against the Constitution of India (Entry 14 List-II), which comprises agriculture as a subject of the state. These legislations are a direct attack, and use of subterfuge to encroach upon the functions and the powers of the states, as enshrined in the country's Constitution, said the draft resolution, read out by the Speaker. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-vaccine-updates-in-india-oxfords-vaccine-to-be-available-in-indian-market-by-march-bharat-biotech-to-develop-an-intranasal-vaccine/articleshow/78741876.cms">COVID-19 vaccine updates in India: Oxford’s vaccine to be available in Indian market by March, Bharat Biotech to develop an intranasal vaccine</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/wipro-wins-five-year-contract-with-europes-third-largest-producer-of-clean-electricity/articleshow/78761079.cms">Wipro wins five-year contract with Europe’s third-largest producer of clean electricity</a>

Punjab CM presents a draft resolution rejecting Modi government's farmer laws

<ul><li>US <keyword id="6354298" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stocks">stocks</keyword> finished a shortened <keyword id="6368158" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="trading">trading</keyword> session higher as investors and consumers alike await an update on pending stimulus legislation.</li><li>House Republicans blocked a unanimous consent vote to increase the size of stimulus checks to $2,000 from $600, as requested by President Trump.</li><li>The House has adjourned until Monday, and next steps will be either a signature or veto from President Trump. </li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/indices">Watch major indexes update live here</a>.</li></ul>US stocks finished they day higher in a shortened trading session on Christmas Eve as political wrangling over a $900 billion stimulus bill continued into Thursday after President Trump requested $2,000 stimulus checks to be included.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attempted to add an amendment to the bill increasing the size stimulus checks to $2,000 from $600 via unanimous consent, but the initiative failed Thursday morning.Now, the House of Representatives has adjourned until Monday at 2:00 P.M., leaving it up to President Trump to sign or veto the original stimulus bill that passed the House and Senate earlier this week. Pelosi signaled that she will hold an official vote of the $2,000 check amendment on Monday to put House members on the record.Here's where US indexes stood shortly after the 9:30 a.m. ET open on Thursday:<ul><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500_500" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&amp;P 500</a>: 3,703.26, up 0.36%</li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/dow_jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dow Jones industrial average</a>: 30,199.87, up 0.23% (70.04 points)</li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nasdaq_composite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nasdaq composite</a>: 12,804.73, up 0.26%</li></ul>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-bubbles-burst-investing-predictions-tips-2021-roaring-20s-2020-12?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'It could be a Roaring 20s that will end badly': An equities chief who oversees over $7 billion shares his investing playbook and major predictions for 2021 and beyond</a><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/alibaba-stock-price-worst-day-ever-regulators-open-antitrust-investigation-2020-12-1029919160">Alibaba slid as much as 18%</a> and suffered its worst trading day ever after the Chinese government opened an anti-trust investigation into the e-commerce giant.<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/altimmune-stock-price-clinical-hold-covid19-vaccine-candidate-10-2020-12-1029918864">Altimmune fell 10% after the FDA put a clinical hold</a> on its intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate.Oil prices edged slightly higher. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price?type=wti">West Texas Intermediate crude</a> rose 0.02%, to $48.13 per barrel. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestts&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Brent crude</a>, oil's international benchmark, was down 0.02%, to $51.19 per barrel.<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/gold-price">Gold</a> traded higher, up as much as 0.24%, to $1,882.70 per ounce.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-crash-expert-predicts-sell-off-2021-mark-yusko-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A hedge fund chief who oversees $2 billion breaks down why we're in for a 61% stock-market crash over the next 18-24 months - and shares 3 types of companies he's shorting right now</a>

Stocks move higher in shortened session as market awaits stimulus update

<ul><li>US <keyword id="6354298" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stocks">stocks</keyword> edged higher in a shortened <keyword id="6368158" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="trading">trading</keyword> session as political wrangling over a $900 billion stimulus bill continued after President Trump requested $2,000 stimulus checks to be included.</li><li>With Trump out of town after flying to Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attempted to pass an amendment to the bill to include bigger stimulus checks with unanimous consent. </li><li>That attempt has failed, and now the House of Representatives is adjourned until Monday at 2:00PM, leaving it up to Trump to either sign the bill or not.</li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/indices">Watch major indexes update live here</a>.</li></ul>US stocks moved higher in a shortened trading session on Christmas Eve as political wrangling over a $900 billion stimulus bill continued into Thursday after President Trump requested $2,000 stimulus checks to be included.Pelosi attempted to add an amendment to the bill increasing the size stimulus checks to $2,000 from $600 via unanimous consent, but that initiative failed Thursday morning.Now, the House of Representatives has adjourned until Monday at 2:00 P.M., leaving it up to President Trump to sign the original stimulus bill that passed the House and Senate earlier this week.Here's where US indexes stood shortly after the 9:30 a.m. ET open on Thursday:<ul><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500_500" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&amp;P 500</a>: 3,695.39, up 0.15%</li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/dow_jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dow Jones industrial average</a>: 30,180.89, up 0.17% (51.06 points)</li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nasdaq_composite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nasdaq composite</a>:12,801.96, up 0.24%</li></ul>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-bubbles-burst-investing-predictions-tips-2021-roaring-20s-2020-12?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'It could be a Roaring 20s that will end badly': An equities chief who oversees over $7 billion shares his investing playbook and major predictions for 2021 and beyond</a><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/alibaba-stock-price-falls-after-china-opens-antitrust-probe-2020-12-1029918671">Alibaba slid as much as 7%</a> after the Chinese government opened an anti-trust investigation into the e-commerce giant.<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/altimmune-stock-price-clinical-hold-covid19-vaccine-candidate-10-2020-12-1029918864">Altimmune fell 10% after the FDA put a clinical hold</a> on its intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate.The <keyword id="6357440" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stock-Market">stock market</keyword> will close at 1:00 P.M. today.Oil prices edged lower. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price?type=wti">West Texas Intermediate crude</a> fell as much as 0.64%, to $47.81 per barrel. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestts&amp;utm_medium=ingest">Brent crude</a>, oil's international benchmark, fell 0.59%, to $50.90 per barrel.<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/gold-price">Gold</a> traded lower, down as much as 0.23%, to $1,873.70 per ounce.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-crash-expert-predicts-sell-off-2021-mark-yusko-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A hedge fund chief who oversees $2 billion breaks down why we're in for a 61% stock-market crash over the next 18-24 months - and shares 3 types of companies he's shorting right now</a>

You Searched For "intranasal vaccines" and got 13 results

CDSCO meet on Bharat Biotech's nasal vaccine trial underway

IANS

Clinical hold on COVID-19 vaccine candidate sends Altimmune down 10%

Matthew Fox

Bharat Biotech seeks DCGI's nod to conduct nasal Covid vaccine trials

IANS

Expert panel recommends Phase 1 trial of nasal Covid-19 vaccine (IANS Exclusive, Lead)

IANS

New MERS vaccine may block coronavirus infections, study shows

PTI

'How macaques resist coronavirus re-infection decoded, may help develop vaccine'

PTI

Indian-origin researcher develops antiviral therapy that block Covid transmission

IANS

TikTok employees spied on US journalists

ANI

4 reasons why your cat won't stop sneezing, from allergens to nasal blockages

Emily Swaim,Sorin McKnight

Covaxin priced at ₹600 and ₹1200 for state and private hospitals respectively

PTI

Punjab CM presents a draft resolution rejecting Modi government's farmer laws

BI India Bureau

Stocks move higher in shortened session as market awaits stimulus update

Matthew Fox

US stocks edge higher as political wrangling over stimulus bill continues

Matthew Fox