One-liner
The genetic sequence of the coronavirus was submitted to a US database two weeks before China's official announcement, suggesting earlier knowledge about the virus and highlighting the critical importance of prompt data sharing for pandemic response.
Summary
Initial Submission and Obstacles
In late December 2019, Dr. Lili Ren, a virologist at a Chinese institution, submitted the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 to GenBank, a significant US repository for nucleotide sequence data, ahead of China's official disclosure. Ren's initial submission was incomplete, prompting a resubmission request from NIH. Required additional information was never received, and the sequence wasn’t published in GenBank at that time.
Official Release and Investigation
Almost two weeks after the submission was removed from the NIH's processing queue, the genetic sequence essentially identical to Ren's was released by China and published on GenBank. Upon revelation of this early submission, US lawmakers involved in probing the origins of Covid-19 are using the findings to bolster biosafety measures and pandemic preparedness.
Response and Implications
Ren's early submission may have allowed for the commencement of vaccine development in late 2019 had the data been fully processed and released. Experts underscore the impact of delayed public data sharing, as vaccines such as Moderna's were swiftly designed shortly after the genetic sequence became available. However, the sequence doesn't provide insights into the origin or early spread of the virus, which remains a topic of intense investigation and debate.
Key Quotes
- "The sequence doesn’t indicate the origin of the coronavirus but undermines the Chinese government’s claims about its knowledge of the information, one expert told CNN."
- "The earlier submission 'would have provided adequate information to initiate vaccine production in late 2019 if it had been made public,' he said, noting that drugmaker Moderna 'used the spike sequence to design its COVID-19 vaccine' within two days of the January 12 release."
- "Even two weeks 'would have made a huge difference in the pandemic,' agreed Dr. Eric Topol."
Make it Stick
- Early bird catches the worm: Had the genetic sequence been shared immediately, vaccine development could have begun weeks earlier, potentially saving lives.
- Sequence secrecy: The two-week gap before the official release underscores how critical transparency is during health crises.
- Vaccine velocity: Moderna's rapid vaccine design within two days post-release exemplifies the swift scientific response reliant on available genetic data.
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.