Almost a fortnight after its vaccine Covishield along with the Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin became part of India’s mega vaccination drive against Covid-19, Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) on Saturday said that it was hopeful of launching Covovax — developed in partnership with American vaccine developer Novavax — by June this year.
The US-based pharma firm’s Covid jab was found to be 89.3 per cent effective in a trial in the United Kingdom.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the world’s biggest vaccine maker, tweeted that they have already applied for local trials for the vaccine candidate in India. “Our partnership for a Covid-19 vaccine with @Novavax has also published excellent efficacy results. We have also applied to start trials in India. Hope to launch #COVOVAX by June 2021!” Poonawalla tweeted.
Earlier this month, India began the world’s largest inoculation drive after the drug regulator DCGI cleared Covishield and Covaxin.
Covishield has been developed in partnership with the Oxford University and British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca.
On the 15th day of launch of the countrywide vaccination, the number of healthcare workers vaccinated against the pathogen has crossed the 37 lakh mark. On Saturday alone, 2,06,130 beneficiaries have been given jab till 7 pm.
Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have reported more than 1 lakh vaccination with Uttar Pradesh topping the list at over 4 lakh vaccination. To push the vaccination pace, the Government has asked the States to give jab to the frontline workers as well from February 1.
At least 71 AEFIs have been reported since January 16 when the vaccination drive was kicked off.
Sunday, 31 January 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
