Viral Evolution Tracking

In December 2025, WHO's Variant Watch program monitors new risks from HPV lineage changes to TB vaccine advancements, managing a changing world of germs with genetic tracking and faster ways to ensure fair access.

As mRNA technology moves past COVID-19, Moderna's Phase 3 trial for a bird flu vaccine in 2025 shows how quickly we can respond, matching CEPI's goal to deliver pandemic vaccines within 100 days of identifying a threat—changing the way we protect global health

As December 2025 closes, Omicron subvariants XFV, NW.1, and LF.7 are gaining traction, comprising up to 20% of cases in key regions. This nowcast analyzes their rise, mutation profiles, and influence on 2026 COVID vaccine formulations, with CDC and WHO data guiding preparedness.

Scripps Research's innovative nanoparticle vaccines for Ebola and filoviruses, announced on December 18, 2025, use particles that mimic the virus to trigger strong immune responses against different strains, providing a hopeful new way to protect

Harness Nextstrain's real-time visualizations to track influenza's 2024–25 mutations, from H3N2's dominant J.2 subclade to emerging drifts, alongside risks of antiviral resistance in oseltamivir and beyond, empowering informed preparedness for the ongoing season.

As antigenic drift continues to challenge seasonal flu vaccines, 2026 heralds a new era with universal breakthroughs—from mRNA platforms targeting conserved epitopes to nanoparticle shields offering broad protection—poised to end the annual reformulation cycle and fortify global defenses.

Moderna's groundbreaking mRNA vaccine for H5 avian influenza will move to Phase 3 trials in December 2025, supported by a $54 million grant from CEPI to speed up its development due to increasing global H5N1 risks, which is an important step in

As December 2025 draws to a close, the SARS-CoV-2 XFG variant—nicknamed "Stratus"—has surged to dominate 69% of U.S. cases, driven by seven key mutations enabling immune evasion. This real-time analysis maps the variant's spread, symptoms, and vaccine effectiveness, offering actionable insights for the 2026 season.

As 2025 winds down, a new H3N2 variant—subclade K—armed with seven key mutations is igniting fears of a severe 2026 flu season. This real-time tracking guide breaks down the strain's rise, global spread, vaccine challenges, and protective strategies to stay ahead of the surge.