Former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb warned that the highly contagious new Covid-19 mutation found in the UK “is already in the US” as more than 40 countries ban travel to and from the UK for 48 hours or more.
“I don’t think a travel ban at this point will prevent this mutated species from entering the United States,” said Gottlieb. “We will have an epidemic that will continue to build over the next three or four weeks, we will peak, and then we will start to see infection rates fall as we see vaccinations rolled out.”
The new variant of Covid-19 is forcing parts of the United Kingdom to close back. The government imposed the strictest restrictions in London and other areas of South East England, and families can no longer get together for Christmas as previously planned. In an interview on CNBC’s “The News with Shepard Smith” on Monday night, Gottlieb explained that the new mutation is likely the result of selective pressure on the virus itself.
“As the virus continues to spread around the world, we will begin to see more of these variants, so it is important to get the population vaccinated and eliminate these infections,” said Gottlieb. “The more infections you have, the more likely these variants will spread.”
Scientists in the UK have suggested that the Covid variant makes the virus 50% more transmissible, but there is currently no evidence that it makes the disease worse. Both Eli Lilly and Regeneron, who make the antibodies to treat Covid, said their drugs should be effective against the variant. According to Reuters, BioNTech Chief Executive Ugur Sahin said his company would investigate the mutation, but viewed the situation with “a degree of sobriety.” BioNTech is Pfizer’s partner for the Covid vaccine. Gottlieb explained to Shep Smith why he thinks vaccines should eventually adapt.
“The question is, is this virus going to change the surface proteins in a way that can eliminate the vaccines or previous immunity, and there is no evidence that it does so now, but over time it will evolve in ways it probably can. Prevent previous infection or vaccines to some degree, so we will likely have to adjust our vaccines over time, ”said Gottlieb.
The first shipments of Moderna’s Covid vaccine hit hospitals in the US today. Moderna’s vaccine is the second, after Pfizer’s, to be approved by the FDA. Moderna’s rollout is expected to double as the company plans to ship six million doses this week, compared to Pfizer’s 2.9 million doses last week. Pfizer’s vaccine requires a temperature of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 70 degrees Celsius. Moderna can store its vaccine at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months.
Gottlieb said the current logistics for vaccine distribution are “good,” but some challenges may arise as the population receiving the vaccine grows.
“I think the challenge will be the last mile to get these vaccines out in the community,” said Gottlieb. “Right now, in the month of December, we are distributing these vaccines largely to health professionals through medical institutions, the teaching hospitals, community hospitals. They know how to distribute a vaccine, know how to find their health professionals.”
Disclosure: Scott Gottlieb is a contributor to CNBC and serves on the boards of Pfizer, genetic testing start-up Tempus and biotech company Illumina. Pfizer has a manufacturing agreement with Gilead for remdesivir. Gottlieb is also co-chair of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings‘ And Royal Caribbean‘s “Healthy Sail Panel.”