As of late May 2025, a new variant—NB.1.8.1—is gaining ground across several regions globally. According to the latest international genomic sequencing data, NB.1.8.1 is rapidly increasing in prevalence and could soon become dominant if current trends continue.

While we don’t yet know its full clinical impact, the continued emergence of new variants reminds us that COVID-19 is far from over—especially for those most at risk.

Immunocompromised individuals remain disproportionately impacted, and hundreds of thousands of Canadians living with Long COVID still have no treatment options.

Yet:

• Canada still has no authorized monoclonal antibodies like Pemgarda

• Canada still has no clinical trials targeting viral persistence with combination therapies involving monoclonals, antivirals, and interferons

• Canada still does not use the immune-bridging pathway that made Pemgarda’s approval possible in the U.S.

New variants demand readiness, not delay.

Public health leaders should be encouraging basic protections:

• Wearing well-fitted N95, FFP2, or KN95 masks in public spaces and in schools

• Improving ventilation in indoor public settings

• Staying home when sick

• Staying up to date with COVID-19 booster vaccinations, especially for those at higher risk

But these messages are absent. The silence only deepens the vulnerability of those still at risk—and further normalizes the unacceptable.

With Pemgarda’s Phase 3 CANOPY trial now published and Invivyd stating they are open to bringing it to Canada, there is no excuse for continued inaction. We’ve followed up with Health Canada, and we need your help to keep up the pressure.

Please share this petition and help amplify the voices of the vulnerable.

Together, we demand access, action, and accountability.

Share the petition: https://www.change.org/MAbsForCanadaNOW

In solidarity,
Rowan