After 'Covishield', expert panel approves Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin' for emergency use

Expert panel on Saturday approved the emergency use of Covaxin, India's first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based pharma company, Bharat Biotech.

After the reports of India approving its first COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, the expert panel has approved Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin.' A new media report revealed that the Subject Expert Committee of Central Drug Standard Control Organization on Saturday recommended Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin' for emergency use in India.

Sources have said that the final decision on its approval will, however, be taken by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Once the approval comes, it will clear the way for the rollout of the vaccine in the country. After the US, India is the second country with the most coronavirus cases.

What Do We Know About Covaxin?

Covaxin is India's first COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Hyderabad-based pharma company, Bharat Biotech, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. It has been developed with an inactivated strain of the novel coronavirus. The inactivated strain used in this vaccine doesn't proliferate inside human cells. It prompts the immune system and stimulates its antibody response towards the virus. It is a tried and tested technology used in several vaccines, including seasonal influenza, polio, pertussis, rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis.

The efficacy of the vaccine will be determined after 14 days post the 2nd dose. Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious when subjects receive both doses and post the 14 days period after the 2nd dose.

Covishield Becomes The First Vaccine To Get Approval

An expert panel approved the emergency use of Covishield vaccine, used to combat coronavirus, on Friday. Notably, the panel recommended emergency licensure for the Serum Institute of India-manufactured vaccine. It became the first vaccine to secure a recommendation for emergency use in India.

America's Pfizer was the first one to apply for the accelerated approval on December 4, followed by the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech on December 6 and 7, respectively.

30 Crore People To Get Vaccinated In The First Phase

The Central government plans to vaccinate nearly 30 crore people in the first phase of drive. It will be offered to one crore healthcare workers, along with 2 crore frontline and essential workers and 27 crores elderly above the age of 50 years most of whom have co-morbidities.

(with inputs from IANS)