News & Updates

Death, adverse health outcomes higher for COVID-19 than influenza after hospital admission

Nicorette® QuickMist Launch Symposium

During the launch of Nicorette^® QuickMist at the Kuala Lumpur Nicotine Addiction International Conference (KLNAC) 2023, a panel of distinguished experts led the discussion on the role of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) on smoking cessation management. The panel comprised of notable experts, including Professor Chris Bullen (New Zealand), Associate Professor Dr Amer Siddiq bin Amer Nordin (Malaysia), Dr Philip Tønnesen (Denmark) and Professor Philip Eng (Singapore).

A closer look at ceftazidime-avibactam in real-world settings

Antibiotic misuse and overuse fuel mutations in bacteria, leading to drug-resistant “superbugs,” with terrifying aftermath. Without intervention, antimicrobial resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

Every year, from November 18–24, the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week highlights these risks and promotes innovative treatments, enhanced surveillance, and best-practice sharing among clinicians. This article offers insights on the use of the fixed-dose combination antibiotic ceftazidime-avibactam in daily hospital settings.

Real-world insights on comparative effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 boosters

Two target trials were emulated to compare the effectiveness of third doses of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines among US veteran population and across at-risk US veteran populations.

Product Highlight - VAXIGRIP TETRA

Inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion) 0.5 mL suspension for injection

Product Highlight - ZAVICEFTA

Ceftazidime 2 g, avibactam 0.5 g powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

Approaches to diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis

Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis are two of the most common mould infections, and a growing problem worldwide, particularly amongst those who are immunocompromised. Despite recent advances in the clinical understanding of these mould infections, the mortality rate can increase significantly if these infections are left untreated. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention. However, diagnosis remains a major challenge owing to atypical or insidious clinical presentation in patients. In this symposium, Professor Cornely shares his insights on the diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis and his recommendations for optimising patient outcomes, including his preferred evidence-based treatment options.

Vaccination reduces risks of long-COVID and death

COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of long COVID if given before SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings suggest that vaccination before infection confers only partial protection in the post-acute phase of the disease. Hence, reliance on vaccination as a sole mitigation strategy may not optimally reduce long-term health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Case study: Lessons on managing invasive mould disease in the ICU

In conjunction with the 42nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM), Pfizer sponsored a symposium addressing the complex challenges of managing invasive mould disease (IMD) in the intensive care unit (ICU), emphasizing the importance of a proactive mindset among intensivists. Using a real-life patient case study, Dr Paula Ramirez from La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain highlighted the significance of early suspicion, swift diagnosis, and timely treatment in critically ill patients with IMD. Professor Gennaro De Pascale from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy discussed effective management strategies and the clinical evidence for various antifungals in treating IMD in critically ill patients.

Waning immunity against COVID-19 reinfections: Lessons from Singapore cohort study

A retrospective national cohort study in Singapore assessed hybrid immunity from previous infection and monovalent vaccination against medically attended symptomatic BA.4, BA.5, and XBB reinfections.