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The U.K.’s drug regulator cleared Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics antiviral oral drug for COVID-19, the first nation to do so. (CNBC)

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine was more effective at preventing Delta variant infections among clinical trial participants vaccinated more recently, pointing to waning protection. (New England Journal of Medicine)

The World Health Organization announced that Covaxin, India’s homemade COVID vaccine, has been cleared for emergency use.

In San Francisco, kids ages 5 and up will soon need to show proof of COVID vaccination for certain indoor activities. (Politico)

The Mu variant of SARS-CoV-2 was found to be 10.6 times more resistant to vaccine serum neutralization than its parental B.1 virus, and 1.5 times more resistant than Beta — previously considered the most resistant variant. (New England Journal of Medicine)

As of Thursday at 8 a.m. EDT, the unofficial U.S. COVID toll reached 46,253,681 cases and 750,431 deaths, increases of 81,369 and 1,801, respectively, from this time a day ago.

That means that more people have died of COVID-19 in the U.S. than live in either Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, or Washington, D.C. (Washington Post)

In France, cases have shot up to their highest levels in 2 months and masks will be required in some schools starting next week. (Reuters)

Meanwhile, Russia’s latest COVID surge has shown no signs of letting up, as new cases and deaths remain at record highs and restrictions are extended. (AP)

Unsure if you need a COVID test after that recent indoor gathering? When to Test may be able to help, according to the NIH.

CVS pharmacy said it plans to add physicians to its workforce. (Wall Street Journal)

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) council of representatives adopted a resolution that apologizes for APA’s role in perpetuating systemic racism and for the field’s role in harming people of color. (NPR)

Incyte’s launch of its ruxolitinib (Opzelura) for atopic dermatitis has been delayed after complaints of “texture problems” in the topical JAK inhibitor solution. (FiercePharma)

The pharmaceutical industry has spent nearly $263 million on lobbying efforts this year alone to fight drug-pricing reform. (CBS News)

In other coronavirus news, herbs and mushrooms are finally being tested in the fight against COVID-19. (JAMA)

New York City’s mayor-elect Eric Adams said he would “revisit” the city’s vaccine mandate for municipal workers. (New York Post)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19; the reigning MVP has been considered unvaccinated by the NFL despite taking an unnamed “alternate treatment” he had hoped would qualify him as being vaccinated. (ESPN)