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Zovi A, Vitiello A, Sabbatucci M, Musazzi UM, Sagratini G, Cifani C, Vittori S. Food Supplements Marketed Worldwide: A Comparative Analysis Between the European and the U.S. Regulatory Frameworks. J Diet Suppl 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39221704 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2024.2389397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, a new health paradigm emerged which increasingly places diet and nutrition at the center of citizens' healthcare. The resulting evolution of the food market has prompted country governments to adapt their regulatory frameworks to ensure product safety and preserve the health of citizens. Dietary supplements (DS) are products which are increasingly occupying a significant market share in Western countries, contributing to meeting the nutritional and physiological needs of a large portion of the global population. Food supplements must be safe for use by the final consumer who has access to the global market, but currently they are framed by a different legislation worldwide. This search aimed of comparing the legislative frameworks currently in force in the European Union (EU) and in the United States (USA), the two main markets in which DS are purchased, to focus on the strengths, similarities and possible shortcomings, against the backdrop of a global market which often transcends the regulatory barriers of individual countries. Both in the EU and the USA, food supplements are governed by specific regulations to ensure their safety and quality. However, the regulatory approaches differ sharply in some cases. It is expected that more and more operators will launch new DS in Western markets. As a result, it is crucial for competent authorities in food safety to deepen and develop additional regulatory tools aimed to control and safeguard the DS market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zovi
- Directorate General for Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitiello
- Directorate General for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sabbatucci
- Directorate General for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Sauro Vittori
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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2
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Boccellino M. COVID-19 Pandemic: Therapeutic Strategies and Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:556. [PMID: 38203727 PMCID: PMC10778581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly pathogenic and transmissible virus, has spurred an impressive accumulation of knowledge [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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3
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Guo W, Zheng Y, Feng S. Omicron related COVID-19 prevention and treatment measures for patients with hematological malignancy and strategies for modifying hematologic treatment regimes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1207225. [PMID: 37928188 PMCID: PMC10622671 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1207225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly become the dominant strain worldwide due to its high transmissibility, although it appears to be less pathogenic than previous strains. However, individuals with hematological malignancy (HM) and COVID-19 remain susceptible to severe infection and mortality, especially those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and those undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) treatment. Hematologists should thoroughly assess the severity of the patient's hematological disease and the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection before initiating chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. Vaccination and booster doses are strongly recommended and patients with a poor vaccine response may benefit from long-acting COVID-19 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (such as Evusheld). Early use of small molecule antiviral drugs is recommended for managing mild COVID-19 in HM patients and those with severe immunodeficiency may benefit from SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy and high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). For moderate to severe cases, low-dose glucocorticoids in combination with early antiviral treatment can be administered, with cytokine receptor antagonists or JAK inhibitors added if the condition persists or worsens. In the treatment of hematological malignancies, delaying chemotherapy is preferable for CLL, acute leukemia (AL), and low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but if the disease progresses, appropriate adjustments in dosage and frequency of treatment are required, with the avoidance of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, CAR-T and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can continue current treatment. What's more, non-drug protective measures, the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs, and monitoring of mutations in immunocompromised populations are particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yizhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
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Khan ZA, Hu Y, Ghalandari B, Ahmad M, Abdullah A, Jiang L, Ding X. Pairwise synthetic cytotoxicity between Paxlovid and 100 frequently prescribed FDA-approved small molecule drugs on liver cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 477:116695. [PMID: 37739321 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Paxlovid is a recent FDA approved specific drug for COVID-19. Extensive prescription of Paxlovid could induce potential synthetic cytotoxicity with drugs. Herein, we aimed to examine pairwise synthetic cytotoxicity between Paxlovid and 100 frequently FDA approved small molecule drugs. Liver cell line HL-7702 or L02 was adopted to evaluate synthetic cytotoxicity between Paxlovid and the 100 small molecule drugs. Inhibitory concentration IC-10 and IC-50 doses for all the 100 small molecule drugs and Paxlovid were experimentally acquired. Then, pairwise synthetic cytotoxicity was examined with the fixed dose IC-10 for each drug. The most 4 significant interactive pairs (2 positively interactive and 2 negatively interactive) were further subjected to molecular docking simulation to reveal the structural modulation with Caspase-8, a key mediator for cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Ahmad Khan
- Department of Pathology, Wenling First People's Hospital, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuli Hu
- Department of Pathology, Wenling First People's Hospital, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Behafarid Ghalandari
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mashaal Ahmad
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Aynur Abdullah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianting Ding
- Department of Pathology, Wenling First People's Hospital, Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Vitiello A, Zovi A, Trama U, Ferrara F. Overview of pharmacotherapy targeting COVID-19 disease based on ACE-2: current challenges and future directions. Herz 2023; 48:372-375. [PMID: 36331568 PMCID: PMC9638345 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-022-05142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The new Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) triggered the pandemic of COVID-19, which is currently still ongoing. In 2021 a worldwide vaccine campaign was launched, and in parallel the lines of research are continuing to target the most effective drug therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 disease. SARS-CoV‑2 enters host cells via glycoprotein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), which plays a major role in renin-angiotensin system interactions and undergoes changes in expression during metabolic and viral diseases, including COVID-19. It seems that the severe lung damage that occurs in several cases of COVID-19 disease may be connected to a deregulated expression of ACE‑2. In this manuscript we focus on the line of research that studies the pharmacological modification of ACE‑2 expression, a promising weapon to counter the severe harms caused by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
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Zavaleta E, Ferrara F, Zovi A, Díaz-Madriz JP, Fallas-Mora A, Serrano-Arias B, Valentino F, Arguedas-Chacón S, Langella R, Trama U, Nava E. Antibiotic Consumption in Primary Care in Costa Rica and Italy: A Retrospective Cross-Country Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e41414. [PMID: 37546059 PMCID: PMC10403152 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The increasing emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens resulting from inappropriate antibiotic usage have become more evident in recent years, particularly with the rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Since joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Costa Rica can now compare its healthcare system with other countries, and similarities have been noted with Italy regarding health indicators. Both nations have universal healthcare systems, covering their entire populations, and hold similar positions in the Human Development Index (HDI). Consequently, the goal is to compare antibiotic prescribing and consumption patterns to collaboratively develop strategies against bacterial resistance. METHODS In order to compare antibiotic consumption between regions, a standardized contrast was utilized, specifically using the defined daily dose (DDD). An Orthogonal Contrast test was performed to test the means, followed by the application of the Student's t-test on these contrasts. This analysis aimed to assess the potential influence of regions on DDD values. Antibiotic consumption data were collected between January 2021 and December 2022 from the Local Health Authority of Naples 3 South (LHANS) in Italy and IMS Health, Q Quintiles, and VIA by way of (IQVIA) reports in Costa Rica. RESULTS LHANS shows a considerable disparity in gross expenditure compared to Italy's overall expenditure, while the private sector of Costa Rica exhibits even lower gross expenditure than Italy. Antibiotic consumption in Italy exceeds that of Costa Rica, with Costa Rica's consumption amounting to 47.70% of Italy's total consumption. Additionally, LHANS exhibited a 22.43% higher gross expenditure compared to the Campania region, emphasizing the variability in antibiotic usage within the same country The results indicated no statistically significant differences in antibiotic consumption between the regions, as none of the null hypotheses were rejected. CONCLUSIONS The study provides valuable insights into expenditure patterns and antibiotic consumption, highlighting the need for improved prescribing practices and awareness campaigns to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing international guidelines to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and ensure the effective management of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugo Trama
- Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Rome, ITA
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Ferrara F, Zovi A, Nava E, Trama U, Vitiello A. SARS-CoV-2 caused a surge in antibiotic consumption causing a silent pandemic inside the pandemic. A retrospective analysis of Italian data in the first half of 2022. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2023:S0003-4509(23)00022-6. [PMID: 36858285 PMCID: PMC9970653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance shows no sign of stopping, despite global policies to combat it that have been in place for several years. The risk of forms of pathogenic microorganisms that are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics has led health authorities around the world to pay greater attention to the phenomenon. The worrying situation, has led to further recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national recommendations in Italy through the new National Plan against Antibiotic Resistance 2022-2025 (PNCAR 2022-2025). AIM This manuscript aims to raise the awareness of all health professionals to follow what is suggested by regulatory agencies and scientific societies. METHOD We conducted a retrospective study of antibiotic pharmacoutilization in Italy, in the Campania region at the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Napoli 3 Sud, on consumption in the first half of 2022 in a population of more than 1 million people. RESULT The results indicate that consumption, based on defined daily doses (DDDs), is above the national average. Probably the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced this growth in prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests an informed and appropriate use of antibiotics, so as to embark on a virtuous path in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell'amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Zovi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Sant'Agostino 1, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
| | - E Nava
- Pharmaceutical Coordination Area, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell'amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy.
| | - U Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Vitiello
- Pharmaceutical Department, USL Umbria 1, Via Guerriero Guerra, 21, 06127 Perugia, Italy.
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8
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Zovi A, Ferrara F, Sorrentino S, Langella R, Trama U, Boccellino M, Vitiello A. What Do We Know About the Smallpox Virus? A Journey Between Clinic and Therapy. Pharm Res 2023; 40:459-465. [PMID: 36451069 PMCID: PMC9713125 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Modern research is increasingly focusing on the study of new viruses and the re-emergence of past microbes, such as Coronaviruses, particularly Sars-Cov2 that was responsible for the very recent pandemic. METHODS AND RESULTS This infection manifested itself and still continues to manifest as a severe respiratory syndrome. The main discriminator of whether or not one succeeds in overcoming this infection may depend on a great many factors, but the main one is definitely determined by vaccination, which has minimized hospitalizations and more severe syndromes. CONCLUSION Recently, a new virus, the monkeypox virus, which was previously confined to Central and West Africa but is now gradually spreading to more than 30 countries including the United States of America, where such an infection is not endemic, is coming forward again.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell'amicizia street 22, 80035, Nola, Naples, Italy.
| | - Sarah Sorrentino
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell'amicizia street 22, 80035, Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Langella
- Italian Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SIFO), SIFO Secretariat of the Lombardy Region, Via Carlo Farini, 81, 20159, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitiello
- Clinical pharmacologist, Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Computational investigation into Nirematrelvir/Ritonavir synergetic efficiency compared with some approved antiviral drugs targeting main protease (Mpro) SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2023.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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10
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Manóchio C, Torres-Loureiro S, Scudeler MM, Miwa B, Souza-Santos FC, Rodrigues-Soares F. Theranostics for COVID-19 Antiviral Drugs: Prospects and Challenges for Worldwide Precision/Personalized Medicine. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:6-14. [PMID: 36602768 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease that impacts multiple organ systems with a complex clinical presentation and outcomes that can vary from person to person and between populations. To optimize COVID-19 treatment outcomes, and in light of the availability of antiviral drugs, there is a need for greater attention to the field of theranostics, the fusion of therapeutics and diagnostics. Theranostics tests would be invaluable, we suggest in this expert review, so as to optimize the efficacy and safety of current and future antiviral drugs against COVID-19. Theranostics would also assist in the design and implementation of clinical trials with antiviral drug candidates. We discuss here theranostics considering drugs such as remdesivir, Paxlovid™, and molnupiravir. All in all, we underscore that theranostics as a concept and practice is essential for efficient and safe health interventions against COVID-19 and other ecological crises in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caíque Manóchio
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Torres-Loureiro
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Mariana M Scudeler
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Miwa
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.,Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Souza-Santos
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rodrigues-Soares
- Departamento de Patologia, Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
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Pharmacological Agents with Antiviral Activity against Monkeypox Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415941. [PMID: 36555584 PMCID: PMC9784635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox infection is caused by a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus, a member of the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from individual to individual through contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets. The infection caused by monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with mild symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Monkeypox typically presents with fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes. New vaccines have recently been authorized for the prevention of monkeypox infection, whereas there are no specific pharmacological antiviral treatments for monkeypox infection. However, because the viruses which cause adult smallpox and monkeypox are similar, antiviral drugs developed in the past have also shown efficacy against monkeypox. In this review, we highlight the in vitro and clinical evidence found in the literature on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents with antiviral activity against monkeypox infection and the different regulatory aspects of countries.
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Ferrara F, Mancaniello C, Varriale A, Sorrentino S, Zovi A, Nava E, Trama U, Boccellino M, Vitiello A. COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: A Retrospective Observational Pharmacovigilance Study. Clin Drug Investig 2022; 42:1065-1074. [PMID: 36274082 PMCID: PMC9589581 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-022-01216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused millions of deaths worldwide. The mRNA vaccines prevented the figure from being more severe. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccines by analyzing the adverse events following immunization (AEFIs). Methods A retrospective observational pharmacovigilance study was conducted, based on the collection of reports of suspected AEFIs reported between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 at the Naples 3 local health authority. AEFIs were stratified and described according to mRNA vaccine, demographics, clinical status, description of AEFI, and degree of severity. In 2021, local health authority Asl Naples 3 South received 1164 reports of suspected adverse events that occurred following the administration of mRNA vaccines. Results During the reporting period, 746 reports were related to the Comirnaty vaccine (64.1%), 281 to the Vaxzevria vaccine (24.1%), 107 to the Spikevax vaccine (9.2%), and 30 to the Jcovden vaccine (2.6%); 89.3% of the reports were classified as not serious (N = 1039 reports), the remaining 10.7% as serious (N = 125 reports). Conclusions This retrospective pharmacovigilance study demonstrates that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe in all population groups. Pharmacovigilance is an activity that ensures the safety of health care treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the administration of vaccines whose efficacy and safety is to be evaluated. In the year 2021, an analysis of all reported adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) to the vaccine was conducted on a sample of about 1 million people with the aim of understanding efficacy and safety. All adverse events were divided by age, sex, type of reaction, and severity. Serious reactions were divided into subcategories to report the most common critical issues. At the conclusion of the work, it can be seen that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe but can give serious cardiovascular (12% of the total number of serious reports) and neurological (one serious case that led to the development of Guillain Barré syndrome) side effects that need to be monitored by medical personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Mancaniello
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Varriale
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah Sorrentino
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, G. Colombo street 71, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Eduardo Nava
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitiello
- Pharmaceutical Department Usl Umbria 1, XIV Settembre street, 06121 Perugia, Italy
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