It is spring 2026, and the pattern is repeating itself. A new SARS-CoV-2 variant informally named “Cicada” (BA.3.2) is now detected in at least 31 U.S. states[1]. China and Hong Kong are simultaneously reporting their sharpest case rise “in at least a year”, driven by NB.1.8.1[2]. The WHO notes that “limited surveillance data” are increasingly hampering vaccination strategies worldwide[3].
The provided summary is based on a recent conversation (likely a video interview) with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a renowned oncologist, biotech entrepreneur, and founder of ImmunityBio. Soon-Shiong has presented similar theses in several public appearances, including interviews with Tucker Carlson in March 2025 and posts on X. The claims are largely plausible and supported by scientific literature where verifiable. However, they represent a mix of established facts, preliminary observations, and speculative hypotheses. The specific study on COVID-19 and p53 inhibition, conducted with Dr. Carlos Cadona, has not been published by November 2025. Soon-Shiong describes it as “soon to be published,” indicating ongoing research but not yet providing peer-reviewed evidence.
