01/7Three Indian vaccines in different phases of trials announces PM Modi
Even as novel coronavirus cases continue to rise with an alarming rate in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech said that Indian scientists have a big role to play, announcing promising work being done in the world of vaccines. While globally, there are over 110+ candidates racing to bring out a vaccine prototype, PM Modi saluted Indian scientists and said that there are over three homegrown vaccines being worked on right now.
"Not one, not two, as many as three coronavirus vaccines are being tested in India. When scientists give the go-ahead, we are ready with a plan for production."
02/7What is the status of Indian vaccines?
Currently, two homegrown vaccines are in phase II of clinical trials. While Covaxin, which has been produced by Bharat BioTech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune was one of the first to be launched, another candidate in the race is ZyCOV-D, which has been developed by Ahmedabad based Zydus Cadila, using a DNA and recombinant measles virus strain.
Both the vaccines, which started trials in early July entered phase II trials in August, making them one of the quickest vaccines to reach the mid-scale phase of testing. In trials conducted so far, both the vaccines have been found to be safe and eliciting a required immune response.
03/7How many vaccines are being developed in India?
Details about the third vaccine under trial have not been revealed as of yet. However, seven individual companies are working on developing a locally made and produced coronavirus vaccine in the country, as per WHO.
As per reports, both Covaxin and ZyCOV-D are expected to be launched in 2021.
Blueprint for vaccine trials and distribution being worked on
PM Modi, who also announced the launch of National Health Mission for the public also discussed plans of how vaccines will be distributed in the country. In the past week, authorities conducted meetings with experts from different fields so as to ensure how and when would vaccines, once deployed be made available for the public.
"How the vaccine will reach every Indian in the least amount of time - we have a roadmap ready for that", announced the Prime Minister.
04/7Can India get priority access to a COVID-19 vaccine?
Experts believe that while the waiting period for a coronavirus vaccine maybe longer, India stands at a good position to get priority access to a befitting vaccine which serves purposes. Dr VK Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog, in a previous briefing mentioned:
“We seem to be reaching a good stage in vaccine development. It gives us hope. We also feel proud when we see our country among leading nations on this front. We also see promise, not just for our country but for the entire humanity,”
Similar statements have been made by heads from ICMR and other medical institutions in the previous months, pinning hopes on an indigenous vaccine leading the race. Interestingly, Covaxin, one of the first Indian vaccines to get the go-ahead was touted to be launched by August 15, a date which invited its fair share of controversies. However, newest reports have confirmed its working and rates of efficacy.
05/7India is the world's leading vaccine producer
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Aug 15, 2020, 15:23 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshareComments (3)
01/7Three Indian vaccines in different phases of trials announces PM Modi
Even as novel coronavirus cases continue to rise with an alarming rate in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech said that Indian scientists have a big role to play, announcing promising work being done in the world of vaccines. While globally, there are over 110+ candidates racing to bring out a vaccine prototype, PM Modi saluted Indian scientists and said that there are over three homegrown vaccines being worked on right now.
"Not one, not two, as many as three coronavirus vaccines are being tested in India. When scientists give the go-ahead, we are ready with a plan for production."
02/7What is the status of Indian vaccines?
Currently, two homegrown vaccines are in phase II of clinical trials. While Covaxin, which has been produced by Bharat BioTech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune was one of the first to be launched, another candidate in the race is ZyCOV-D, which has been developed by Ahmedabad based Zydus Cadila, using a DNA and recombinant measles virus strain.
Both the vaccines, which started trials in early July entered phase II trials in August, making them one of the quickest vaccines to reach the mid-scale phase of testing. In trials conducted so far, both the vaccines have been found to be safe and eliciting a required immune response.
03/7How many vaccines are being developed in India?
Details about the third vaccine under trial have not been revealed as of yet. However, seven individual companies are working on developing a locally made and produced coronavirus vaccine in the country, as per WHO.
As per reports, both Covaxin and ZyCOV-D are expected to be launched in 2021.
Blueprint for vaccine trials and distribution being worked on
PM Modi, who also announced the launch of National Health Mission for the public also discussed plans of how vaccines will be distributed in the country. In the past week, authorities conducted meetings with experts from different fields so as to ensure how and when would vaccines, once deployed be made available for the public.
"How the vaccine will reach every Indian in the least amount of time - we have a roadmap ready for that", announced the Prime Minister.
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04/7Can India get priority access to a COVID-19 vaccine?
Experts believe that while the waiting period for a coronavirus vaccine maybe longer, India stands at a good position to get priority access to a befitting vaccine which serves purposes. Dr VK Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog, in a previous briefing mentioned:
“We seem to be reaching a good stage in vaccine development. It gives us hope. We also feel proud when we see our country among leading nations on this front. We also see promise, not just for our country but for the entire humanity,”
Similar statements have been made by heads from ICMR and other medical institutions in the previous months, pinning hopes on an indigenous vaccine leading the race. Interestingly, Covaxin, one of the first Indian vaccines to get the go-ahead was touted to be launched by August 15, a date which invited its fair share of controversies. However, newest reports have confirmed its working and rates of efficacy.
05/7India is the world's leading vaccine producer
India, one of the worst affected nations by the pandemic might be a late entrant in the vaccine development race but nonetheless, a leader in the production world, making the whole world look up to the country. Serum Institute of India, one of the largest vaccine makers has signed pacts with leading vaccine makers, including Oxford University-AstraZeneca and Novaxax. The company will also be holding trials for the promising Oxford vaccine in the country, starting next week and will be marketed as 'Covishield' in India
06/7Ensuring fair pricing and distributions of vaccines in India
The pricing of the vaccine, currently in critical phase III of testing will be done economically. As per reports, Adar Poonawalla mentioned capping the price of the vaccine between Rs. 250-500 per dose. It can also be possible that the distribution will be done through government channels and come free of cost to the public.
07/7Talks with WHO, GAVI also going on
Deals signed with WHO's COVAX facility and GAVI alliance, which look over equal vaccine distribution could also ensure that the process of vaccine distribution goes on smoothly and reaches all parts of the country.
Apart from this, rumours of India signing a deal with Russian authorities to expedite and use their experimental vaccine, Sputnik-V are also underway.
Good article🌼