Russian Authorities Call Omicron Variant Research Can Take Up To Two Months: The Virus Is Isolated From Biological Materials

Research illustration. (Unsplash/@scienceinhd)

JAKARTA - Research on the newly identified Omicron variant of the coronavirus could take up to two months, the Russian authority Vector Center of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) told TASS.

"Currently, the virus is being isolated from biological material. It may take up to two months to carry out a full-cycle study, including determining the transmission, pathogenicity, and susceptibility of the new variant to antibodies from those who are infected or have been vaccinated," Rospotrebnadzor said.

It is known that Rospotrebnadzor has now received biomaterials from people infected with the omicron variant.

On December 6, the first two cases of infection with the omicron variant were recorded in Russia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the variant was found in people who came from South Africa.

Separately, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported Wednesday that an Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been detected in 57 countries, based on its Weekly COVID-19 Epidemiology update.

Experts note the fact that the number of detected coronavirus infections is rapidly growing in southern Africa. While the drivers of this increase are still unknown, it is 'plausible' this is due to the spread of the Omicron variant in the region as well as increased testing for the presence of the coronavirus after the strain was designated a 'Variant of Concern' (VOC).

According to WHO, additional information is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine against the Omicron variant.

"There is a need for more data to assess whether mutations present in Omicron variants may result in reduced protection from vaccine-derived immunity. And, data on vaccine effectiveness, including the use of additional vaccination doses," the experts said, adding "WHO will continue to work with partners to monitor and evaluate this data as it becomes available."

WHO also noted "the Omicron variant may have a growth advantage over other circulating variants". At the same time, experts do not yet know "whether this will lead to an increase in transmission".

Information on the clinical severity of the Omicron variant is also limited. Citing 212 infections with this strain detected in 18 European Union countries, experts noted the spread of the disease was 'asymptomatic or mild.'