Is JN. 1 sub-strain or coronavirus a variant of concern now? What experts say on next phase of disease The cases of the new JN.1 sub-variant of Omnicron has been rapidly increasing in several states. There are around more than 190 active cases of the new sub-variant in the country. The World Health Organisation had declared the JN. 1 sub-variant as a Variant of Interest. According to a report by Deccan Herald, the new JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron is Variant of Interest (VoI) and not Variant of Concern (VoC), as said by Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG) which is the apex federation of 15 professional associations of post-graduate doctors in India amid the sudden in increase of Covid-19 cases. Omicron, in reality, served as a Variant of Support (VoS) for India. Following its emergence two years ago, our country began to open up, schools and colleges resumed, tourism gained momentum, social gatherings and conferences resumed, and the economy experienced significant growth, as per his statement. Commenting on the concern of the possibility of the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron triggering a new wave, Dr. Gilada said, “India handled the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively than numerous influential nations.” He stated that India boasted one of the most effective COVID-19 vaccination programs, having achieved a 75 percent full vaccination rate among the population, with an additional 35 percent having received a booster (third dose). He stated that the third wave caused by the Omicron variant, particularly by its BA.2 sub-variant, affected a majority of the population with minimal morbidity and mortality. BA.2 acted as a safeguard for India, protecting against infections from variants like BA.4, BA.5, and descendants such as BA.2.86 (Pirola). India has significantly enhanced its preparedness compared to previous times. Moreover, the country has been providing support to over 50 nations in Africa and other regions by aiding in preparedness, providing medicines, and supplying vaccines—an unparalleled contribution globally. Although discovered in Luxembourg in August 2023 and currently present in over 40 countries, the BA.2 variant has not caused widespread morbidity or notable mortality. Globally, deaths have been limited to individuals with underlying health conditions. Initially considered more transmissible, the first case of the JN.1 variant detected in Kerala, India, did not exhibit significantly increased transmissibility. “The presence of JN.1 has not surged the demand for oxygen, hospital beds, ICU beds, or ventilators. In reality, symptoms of JN.1 create a diagnostic challenge when compared to Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with the latter two being more prevalent. The focus should expand to encompass Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) rather than solely concentrating on Covid. No fresh vaccinations or Covid boosters are deemed necessary or advised globally. Mandatory mask mandates are unnecessary, although wearing masks may be recommended for elderly individuals and those with severe underlying health conditions, as well as their caregivers, in crowded places,” explained Dr. Gilada. “Masks are also beneficial in guarding against the harmful effects of pollutants and allergens, which are prevalent during winter and fluctuations in the Air Quality Index (AQI). There is no need for travel restrictions or limitations on social, religious, or conference gatherings. Imposing such restrictions may even be counterproductive. High-volume Covid testing is unnecessary; instead, targeted testing of suspected cases suffices. Unless a new variant emerges that matches or surpasses the severity of the Delta variant, there is no cause for concern,” he concluded.
The Japanese pharma major is also filing a plea before the Delhi HC seeking appointment of forensic auditors to analyse transactions involving IHH, Fortis Healthcare and RHT, Singapore, as directed by the HC on October 18.
The development is likely to create legal hurdles and delay the proposed open offer as IHH had recently told FE that it could only go ahead if Sebi agreed with its legal interpretation that the SC’s September 22 order has lifted all such restraints.
IHH managing director and CEO Kelvin Loh told FE on November 9 that the company would like to go ahead with the open offer “as soon as possible” as there has already been a delay of four years. Ravi Rajagopal, chairman of Fortis Healthcare, had added that their legal counsel has advised that the company can go ahead with the open offer as the SC order has disposed of various appeals, including the suo motu contempt. “We have represented to the Sebi and the matter is with them,” Rajagopal had said.
However, legal observers told FE that the matter is not that straightforward and simple as the Delhi HC has to take the final call on the matter of open offer as well as whether a forensic audit has to be done in the share sale which was executed in 2018.
Also Read: IHH to float open offer for Fortis if Sebi concurs with our legal view: MD & CEO
Loh and Rajagopal had said the possibility that the matter may take a different turn when it comes up in Delhi HC cannot be ruled out.
IHH had in July 2018 acquired a 31% stake in Fortis Healthcare for Rs 4,000 crore through the bidding route. It had also earmarked Rs 3,000 crore to make an open offer for an additional 26% to the public shareholders as required under the law.
Daiichi has written to Sebi that the SC in its September 22 order had asked the HC to consider ordering a forensic audit into the dilution of FHL shareholding, repeated violation of undertakings and assurance by former FHL promoters — Malvinder and Shivinder Singh — and the transaction between FHL, IHH and the clandestine transfer of Rs 4,666 crore to RHT Singapore.
Daiichi is “severely prejudiced” with IHH’s clandestine attempt to subvert the status quo order directed by the SC on December 14, 2018, and September 22 with respect to the conduct of forensic audit and the pending proceedings before the HC by purportedly consulting regulatory authorities, including Sebi, on the proposed FHL-IHH transaction. It has reiterated that the FHL-IHH transaction was currently sub-judice before the HC where FHL is also a party, its solicitors, P&A Law Offices, have said in the letter.
“We further state that any such attempt by FHL and/or IHH to proceed with the FHH-IHH transaction would be in direct contravention of the HC and SC orders,” the letter sent by the law firm has stated. Daiichi Sankyo is pursuing the enforcement of Rs 3,500-crore arbitration award against the Singh brothers pronounced by a Singapore tribunal for concealing information when they sold Ranbaxy Laboratories to it for $4.6 billion in 2008. The apex court had in 2018 put on hold the sale of Fortis Healthcare to IHH on a contempt plea filed by the Japanese drugmaker against the Singh brothers.