Longevity, Paxlovid and GMOs: The week in Well+Being
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Happy Thursday! Coming up is International Women's Day on Saturday and the end of daylight saving time on Sunday.
Now, let's catch up on Well+Being: We've been writing about the scientific quest to reverse human aging, how Paxlovid may not reduce covid hospitalizations among older adults and that there's nothing inherently unsafe about genetically modified crops. Plus, we've got our weekly 'joy' snack. But before that …
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Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) Exceeds Sales Milestone With Cresemba In Asia Pacific And China
Pfizer announced robust sales for the antifungal drug Cresemba in partnership with Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, marking significant growth in key Asian markets. Despite this achievement, Pfizer's stock price was relatively flat last week, reflecting a broader market trend rather than significant movements unique to the company. The company's announcements, including significant clinical trial results and strategic drug market expansions, provided positive context. However, these events primarily added weight to the overall market's modest rise, suggesting a stable, yet unremarkable impact on Pfizer's share price amid ongoing economic and trade developments. Be aware that Pfizer is showing 3 risks in our investment analysis. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 26 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. Pfizer's recent announcement concerning Cresemba's sales growth in Asian markets is a positive indicator for its revenue outlook. However, despite these gains, Pfizer's shares have remained flat, reflecting broader market trends rather than company-specific news. This lack of movement underscores persistent challenges, such as competition and declining utilization of key drugs like Paxlovid and Vyndaqel, potentially impacting future revenues and earnings forecasts. Over the past five years, Pfizer's total shareholder return, including dividends, was a decrease of 13.55%. This decline highlights performance concerns, particularly as Pfizer underperformed the broader US market, which recorded an 11.6% gain over the last year. Despite becoming profitable this year, Pfizer's forecasted revenue contraction of 2.1% per year over the next three years reflects ongoing challenges within the pharmaceutical industry. Pfizer's current share price at approximately US$24.41 shows a sizable discount compared to the consensus analyst price target of US$29.24. This gap suggests moderate investor skepticism about future growth, as analysts expect profit margins to rise yet predict revenue and earnings pressures. While Pfizer aims to stabilize through R&D advancements and international market penetration, these efforts will need to counteract competition's influence to align closer with the anticipated price target. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Pfizer stock in this financial health report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:PFE. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
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Global Virus Network Issues Scientific Guidance on New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 and Vaccine Protection
Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools are critical in navigating the evolving COVID-19 landscape TAMPA, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Virus Network (GVN) is closely monitoring the emergence of a newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, a sublineage of the Omicron family. This variant was first identified in January 2025 and has rapidly spread across Asia and into other regions, including parts of the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring due to its increasing prevalence and potential public health implications. Based on current evidence, GVN advises vigilance, not alarm, and reinforces the critical role of vaccination in preventing severe disease and death. Similar to previous Omicron subvariants, NB.1.8.1 contains spike protein mutations associated with increased transmissibility. However, no evidence suggests that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or significantly evades vaccine-induced or natural immunity. Early laboratory and clinical data indicate that updated COVID-19 vaccines, including bivalent and XBB-based boosters, protect against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. There is no evidence at this time that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous variants. Breakthrough infections may occur, particularly among individuals with waning immunity or those who are unvaccinated. Nevertheless, vaccines remain highly effective in reducing serious illness and death. Antiviral treatments such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir demonstrate efficacy against a range of Omicron subvariants, including BQ.1, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5. NB.1.8.1 has been linked to significant increases in COVID-19 cases across several countries. According to the WHO, as of May 18, 2025, the NB.1.8.1 variant has been identified in 22 countries, accounting for 10.7% of global SARS-CoV-2 sequences submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) during epidemiological week 17 (April 21–27, 2025). This marks a significant increase from 2.5% four weeks prior. As of June 4, 2025, India reported 4,302 active COVID-19 infections, with nearly 300 new cases recorded within the previous 24 hours. States such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and especially Kerala have experienced a steady rise in cases. During the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, nearly 6,000 individuals in Taiwan sought medical assistance at hospitals due to COVID-19-related symptoms. This marked a 78% increase from the previous week and represented the fourth consecutive week of rising case numbers. As of early June 2025, in the U.S., more than a dozen cases of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant have been identified in Washington State. The variant was first detected in the U.S. between late March and early April through routine screenings of international travelers at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Subsequent cases have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. In the U.S., there have been about 300 deaths per week from COVID-19 in 2025 through May. Periodic summer surges are anticipated, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years. GVN Supports the Following COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations: Adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with underlying conditions, should receive an updated COVID-19 booster tailored to circulating variants. All individuals 6 months and older, including children and adolescents, are encouraged to stay current with vaccinations, especially ahead of the fall and winter respiratory seasons. Children 6 months to 17 years of age should receive an age-appropriate, updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if they have not already done so within the past year, as protection from earlier vaccines may wane over time. Pediatric vaccination helps prevent severe outcomes, including hospitalization and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Pregnant individuals are strongly encouraged to stay current on COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in infants by 61% and protects newborns for up to six months after birth—an especially important window given the high rate of emergency department visits for COVID-19 among infants. Studies have consistently shown that infection during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, fetal death, and long-term neurodevelopmental issues. No safety concerns have been identified regarding vaccination in pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. Those not receiving a COVID-19 booster in the past year should consult a healthcare provider about updated vaccine timing and eligibility. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is recommended when appropriate. Side effects from both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are rare, and the cost-benefit of vaccination is heavily in favor of vaccination. The principal benefits of vaccination are preventing severe disease, rather than preventing infection itself. The rapid global spread of NB.1.8.1 underscores the ongoing need for proactive surveillance, timely data sharing, and pandemic preparedness. The appearance of new variants is expected and does not signal a public health emergency. Instead, it is a call to action for continued scientific vigilance and proactive health measures. GVN reiterates that this is an opportunity to prepare, not a reason to panic. Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools will remain critical in navigating the evolving COVID-19 landscape. Media Contact: Nora Samaranayakensamaranayake@ About the Global Virus Network The Global Virus Network (GVN) is a worldwide coalition comprising 80+ Virology Centers of Excellence and Affiliates across 40+ countries, whose mission is to facilitate pandemic preparedness against viral pathogens and diseases that threaten public health globally. GVN advances knowledge of viruses through (i) data-driven research and solutions, (ii) fostering the next generation of virology leaders, and (iii) enhancing global resources for readiness and response to emerging viral threats. GVN provides the essential expertise required to discover and diagnose viruses that threaten public health, understand how such viruses spread illnesses, and facilitate the development of diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to combat them. GVN coordinates and collaborates with local, national, and international scientific institutions and government agencies to provide real-time virus informatics, surveillance, and response resources and strategies. GVN's pandemic preparedness mission is achieved by focusing on Education & Training, Qualitative & Quantitative Research, and Global Health Strategies & Solutions. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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WELL Health Announces Appointment of Ric Leong as its Chief Accounting Officer
WELL has appointed Ric Leong, CPA, CA, BSc., as Chief Accounting Officer, where he will lead WELL's accounting operations and financial planning functions as it continues to scale its business and pursue growth through acquisitions. Mr. Leong was previously the CFO of Avigilon at the time of its $1B exit to Motorola Solutions. Most recently, Mr. Leong 's last position was leading the finance and accounting team at Hootsuite as SVP of Finance. Mr. Leong's primary focus is to strengthen the Company's financial reporting processes as well as WELL's financial integration efforts in support of its expansive acquisition strategy. Mr. Leong will also work to enhance financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities in alignment with the Company's overarching growth plans. VANCOUVER, British Columbia & TORONTO, June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) ("WELL" or the "Company"), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ric Leong, CPA, CA, BSc. as WELL's Chief Accounting Officer, effective May 20th. Mr. Leong's primary focus is to strengthen the Company's financial reporting processes as well as WELL's financial integration efforts in support of its expansive acquisition strategy. Mr. Leong will also work to enhance financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities in alignment with the Company's overarching growth plans. As Chief Accounting Officer, Mr. Leong will lead WELL's accounting operations, including public company reporting and FP&A, reporting to Eva Fong, the Company's Chief Financial Officer and working closely with the rest of the leadership Team at WELL. Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of WELL Health commented, "We are extremely pleased to extend a very warm welcome Ric to WELL's senior leadership team. Ric brings a wealth of experience as a senior financial executive in high-growth technology environments. Ric's proven track record in driving process improvements and creating shareholder value, particularly during his time at Avigilon and Hootsuite, will provide tremendous value as WELL continues to scale its operations." Mr. Leong most recently served as Senior Vice President, Finance of Vancouver-based social media management company Hootsuite Inc., where he led financial due diligence on several strategic acquisitions, including the transformative acquisition of Talkwalker, an AI-powered social listening platform. He also arranged credit facilities to support growth and acquisition capital, contributing to the company's balance sheet strength and long-term financial strategy. Previously, he was Chief Financial Officer at Avigilon Corporation, a video surveillance and analytics company acquired by Motorola Solutions, Inc. in 2018. In both roles, Mr. Leong demonstrated a strong ability to create shareholder value through disciplined financial leadership and operational efficiency. Mr. Leong articled with KPMG LLP and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Diploma in Accounting from the University of British Columbia. "I am excited to join WELL Health at this pivotal stage of its growth," said Mr. Leong. "WELL's mission to tech-enable healthcare providers as well as modernize, digitize and positively transform healthcare resonates deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to the Company's continued success and supporting its financial operations and strategic objectives." WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Per: "Hamed Shahbazi"Hamed ShahbaziChief Executive Officer, Chairman and DirectorWELL Health Technologies Inc. About WELL Health Technologies Corp. WELL's mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL's comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL's solutions enable more than 42,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 210 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL's solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women's health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "WHTCF". To learn more about the Company, please visit: View source version on Contacts For more information: Tyler BabaInvestor Relations, Manager604-628-7266investor@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
