'Moment of pride': India begins coronavirus vaccine drive

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year.

A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others."

The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal.

Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year.

While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year. A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others." The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal. Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary. This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year. While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

With procurement of Covid vaccine in focus, Nepal FM to visit Delhi from tomorrow

AstraZeneca and Oxford University had filed a formal bid for authorisation for their coronavirus vaccine, the European Medicines Agency said.

Europe ramps up vaccination drive amid surge in Covid-19 cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far.

The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout.

Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out.

More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added.

The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines.

The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue.

India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines.

Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it."

In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn.

Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise. Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far. The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout. Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out. More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added. The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines. The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue. India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines. Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it." In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn. Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Centre to bear vaccination cost of 3 crore health, frontline workers: PM Modi

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available&nbsp;for&nbsp;₹200 a vial in India.

It has also been reported that the Centre has sent a&nbsp;&nbsp;purchase order with the Serum Institute of India (SII)&nbsp;on Monday, January 11, as reported by Reuters citing CNBC-TV 18 sources.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-orders-30-million-coronavirus-vaccines-from-india-355773" hreflang="en">Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India</a>

The news has come days after the Prime Minister's Office announced the vaccination drive will begin in India from January 16. "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted.

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Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. <a href="https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB">https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB</a>
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As the news of the purchase order broke out, Modi held a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of the states of India to discuss the readiness for the upcoming&nbsp;on vaccination rollout.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-16311-new-coronavirus-cases-161-deaths-in-last-24-hours-355958" hreflang="en">India records 16,311 new coronavirus cases, 161 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Till now, 89 hospitals in the national capital New Delhi have been chosen for vaccination drive's first phase. Of these 89, 40 are government-run and 49 are private.&nbsp;

The Centre has decided&nbsp;around 5,000 vaccination sites across India.&nbsp;"As per the instruction of the Central government, the Delhi government has prepared these 89 sites which are different hospitals of Delhi,"&nbsp;Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told a press conference.

"At every centre, there will be 8-9 people who will handle the drive. With this preparation, the Delhi government will start the first phase of vaccination from January 16."

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available for ₹200 a vial in India.

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available for ₹200 a vial in India. It has also been reported that the Centre has sent a purchase order with the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday, January 11, as reported by Reuters citing CNBC-TV 18 sources. Also read| Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India The news has come days after the Prime Minister's Office announced the vaccination drive will begin in India from January 16. "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted. Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2021 × As the news of the purchase order broke out, Modi held a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of the states of India to discuss the readiness for the upcoming on vaccination rollout. Also read| India records 16,311 new coronavirus cases, 161 deaths in last 24 hours Till now, 89 hospitals in the national capital New Delhi have been chosen for vaccination drive's first phase. Of these 89, 40 are government-run and 49 are private. The Centre has decided around 5,000 vaccination sites across India. "As per the instruction of the Central government, the Delhi government has prepared these 89 sites which are different hospitals of Delhi," Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told a press conference. "At every centre, there will be 8-9 people who will handle the drive. With this preparation, the Delhi government will start the first phase of vaccination from January 16."

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029">Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports</a> 
 
Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge." 
 
Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-orders-30-million-coronavirus-vaccines-from-india-355773" hreflang="en">Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India</a>

"India's vaccination experience will help during COVID vaccination programme," he added.

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Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. <a href="https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB">https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1348591718388568066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Around three crore healthcare workers and frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase of vaccination. In the second phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated, confirmed PM Modi.

The government is planning to vaccinate over 30 crore people in the next few months.

PM Modi then announced, "If you look at the number of health and frontline workers across all states, it stands at around three crore. It has been decided that state governments will not have to bear the expenses of vaccination of these 3 crore people in the first phase. Govt of India will bear these expenses."

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge." Also read| Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India "India's vaccination experience will help during COVID vaccination programme," he added. Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2021 × Around three crore healthcare workers and frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase of vaccination. In the second phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated, confirmed PM Modi. The government is planning to vaccinate over 30 crore people in the next few months. PM Modi then announced, "If you look at the number of health and frontline workers across all states, it stands at around three crore. It has been decided that state governments will not have to bear the expenses of vaccination of these 3 crore people in the first phase. Govt of India will bear these expenses." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian vaccines more affordable than any other on the globe: PM Modi

Scientists have demonstrated that a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which could potentially be stored at room temperature, can produce immunity against the novel coronavirus in mice. The vaccine, described in the ACS Central Science journal, contains ultrasmall nanoparticles studded with the spike proteins of the coronavirus which enables it to enter host cells.

"Our goal is to make a single-shot vaccine that does not require a cold-chain for storage or transport. If we're successful at doing it well, it should be cheap too," said study co-author Peter Kim from Stanford University in the US.

"The target population for our vaccine is low- and middle-income countries," Kim added.

According to the researchers, viral-based vaccines which use viruses to deliver immunising proteins are often more effective than those which contain only isolated protein parts of a virus.

They said nanoparticle vaccines balance the effectiveness of viral-based vaccines with the safety and ease-of-production of protein vaccines.

To develop the vaccine, the scientists first removed a section near the bottom of the spike protein of the coronavirus, and combined it with nanoparticles of ferritin -- an iron-containing protein -- which has been previously tested in humans.

In the following tests in mice, the researchers compared their shortened spike nanoparticles to four other potential variations -- nanoparticles with full spikes, full spikes or partial spikes without nanoparticles, and a vaccine containing just the section of the spike that binds to cells during infection.

The scientists then tested the effectiveness of these vaccines against a safer pseudo-coronavirus that was modified to carry the spike proteins.

They determined the potential effectiveness of each vaccine by monitoring levels of virus neutralising antibodies generated in the mice immune system.

After a single dose, the study found that two nanoparticle vaccine candidates both resulted in neutralising antibody levels at least twice as high as those seen in people who have had COVID-19.

According to the scientists, the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine produced a significantly higher neutralising response than the binding spike or the full spike vaccines.

After a second dose, they said mice that had received the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine had the highest levels of neutralising antibodies.

Based on the results, the Stanford scientists said their nanoparticle vaccine could produce COVID-19 immunity after just one dose.

The scientists believe the vaccine could also be stored at room temperature and are assessing whether it could be shipped and stored in a freeze-dried, powder form.

"This is really early stage and there is still lots of work to be done," said Abigail Powell, lead author of the study.

The researchers hope to improve the nanoparticle vaccine candidate to move it closer to initial clinical trials in humans.

Scientists have demonstrated that a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which could potentially be stored at room temperature, can produce immunity against the novel coronavirus in mice.

Scientists have demonstrated that a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which could potentially be stored at room temperature, can produce immunity against the novel coronavirus in mice. The vaccine, described in the ACS Central Science journal, contains ultrasmall nanoparticles studded with the spike proteins of the coronavirus which enables it to enter host cells. "Our goal is to make a single-shot vaccine that does not require a cold-chain for storage or transport. If we're successful at doing it well, it should be cheap too," said study co-author Peter Kim from Stanford University in the US. "The target population for our vaccine is low- and middle-income countries," Kim added. According to the researchers, viral-based vaccines which use viruses to deliver immunising proteins are often more effective than those which contain only isolated protein parts of a virus. They said nanoparticle vaccines balance the effectiveness of viral-based vaccines with the safety and ease-of-production of protein vaccines. To develop the vaccine, the scientists first removed a section near the bottom of the spike protein of the coronavirus, and combined it with nanoparticles of ferritin -- an iron-containing protein -- which has been previously tested in humans. In the following tests in mice, the researchers compared their shortened spike nanoparticles to four other potential variations -- nanoparticles with full spikes, full spikes or partial spikes without nanoparticles, and a vaccine containing just the section of the spike that binds to cells during infection. The scientists then tested the effectiveness of these vaccines against a safer pseudo-coronavirus that was modified to carry the spike proteins. They determined the potential effectiveness of each vaccine by monitoring levels of virus neutralising antibodies generated in the mice immune system. After a single dose, the study found that two nanoparticle vaccine candidates both resulted in neutralising antibody levels at least twice as high as those seen in people who have had COVID-19. According to the scientists, the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine produced a significantly higher neutralising response than the binding spike or the full spike vaccines. After a second dose, they said mice that had received the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine had the highest levels of neutralising antibodies. Based on the results, the Stanford scientists said their nanoparticle vaccine could produce COVID-19 immunity after just one dose. The scientists believe the vaccine could also be stored at room temperature and are assessing whether it could be shipped and stored in a freeze-dried, powder form. "This is really early stage and there is still lots of work to be done," said Abigail Powell, lead author of the study. The researchers hope to improve the nanoparticle vaccine candidate to move it closer to initial clinical trials in humans.

Single dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate generates immunity in mice: Study

The British government has started a major expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 tests being made available more widely to people as part of efforts to control the rapid spread of a new coronavirus variant, which has led to Britain hitting the grim milestone of 81,000 deaths from the virus. 
 
<a href="wionews.com/world/who-experts-to-visit-china-from-thursday-to-investigate-virus-origin-355920">Also read | WHO experts to visit China from Thursday to investigate virus origin</a>

The UK government’s chief medical adviser has said that the next few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the worst as the new highly infectious variants of the virus rampage across the country.

"The next few weeks are going to be the worst weeks of this pandemic in terms of numbers into the NHS (National Health Service)," Chris Whitty said. "What we need to do before the vaccines have had their effect, because it will take several weeks before that happens, we need to really double down." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-new-coronavirus-strain-discovered-in-japan-about-355904#new-virus-strain-discovered-in-japan-354578">In pictures | What is the new coronavirus strain discovered in Japan about?</a> 
 
"Anybody who is not shocked by the number of people in hospital who are seriously ill at the moment and who are dying over the course of this pandemic, I think, has not understood this at all. This is an appalling situation," he told BBC TV.

In a bid to get on top of the pandemic and to try to restore some degree of normality by the spring, Britain is planning the country's largest ever vaccination programme, shots initially offered to all those in its top four priority categories - about 15 million people - by the middle of next month.

Having become the first country to approve vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and by Oxford-AstraZeneca, Britain will open seven large-scale vaccination centres as it seeks to reach a target of offering shots to 15 million people by the middle of next month.

"The vaccinations are really beginning to ramp up, 200,000 a day, we've done an incredible job this past week," vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News, saying they would offer shots to those in the highest risk levels, the eldest and frontline health workers, by February 15.

More than 81,400 people in the United Kingdom have died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test, the fifth-highest official death toll globally.

On Friday, London's Mayor warned the British capital's hospitals were in danger of being overwhelmed by COVID patients, and ministers and health chiefs have pleaded with people to respect lockdown measures and stay at home unless it was essential to go out.

"We have got to be able to maintain this for several more weeks now," said Whitty, adding it would require "significant action" until sometime in the spring.

"We are now very close to the point, with the vaccinations, where we are able to get on top of this, but it is not yet."

There have been calls for the government to take tougher action against those who break the rules, such as refusing to wear masks in supermarkets, amid concern the disease is being spread by shoppers in the stores.

"These rules are not boundaries to be pushed against. These rules are there to try and make sure we bring this virus under control," Zahawi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government has started a major expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 tests being made available more widely to people as part of efforts to control the rapid spread of a new coronavirus variant, which has led to Britain hitting the grim milestone of 81,000 deaths from the virus.

The British government has started a major expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 tests being made available more widely to people as part of efforts to control the rapid spread of a new coronavirus variant, which has led to Britain hitting the grim milestone of 81,000 deaths from the virus. Also read | WHO experts to visit China from Thursday to investigate virus origin The UK government’s chief medical adviser has said that the next few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the worst as the new highly infectious variants of the virus rampage across the country. "The next few weeks are going to be the worst weeks of this pandemic in terms of numbers into the NHS (National Health Service)," Chris Whitty said. "What we need to do before the vaccines have had their effect, because it will take several weeks before that happens, we need to really double down." In pictures | What is the new coronavirus strain discovered in Japan about? "Anybody who is not shocked by the number of people in hospital who are seriously ill at the moment and who are dying over the course of this pandemic, I think, has not understood this at all. This is an appalling situation," he told BBC TV. In a bid to get on top of the pandemic and to try to restore some degree of normality by the spring, Britain is planning the country's largest ever vaccination programme, shots initially offered to all those in its top four priority categories - about 15 million people - by the middle of next month. Having become the first country to approve vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and by Oxford-AstraZeneca, Britain will open seven large-scale vaccination centres as it seeks to reach a target of offering shots to 15 million people by the middle of next month. "The vaccinations are really beginning to ramp up, 200,000 a day, we've done an incredible job this past week," vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News, saying they would offer shots to those in the highest risk levels, the eldest and frontline health workers, by February 15. More than 81,400 people in the United Kingdom have died within 28 days of receiving a positive COVID-19 test, the fifth-highest official death toll globally. On Friday, London's Mayor warned the British capital's hospitals were in danger of being overwhelmed by COVID patients, and ministers and health chiefs have pleaded with people to respect lockdown measures and stay at home unless it was essential to go out. "We have got to be able to maintain this for several more weeks now," said Whitty, adding it would require "significant action" until sometime in the spring. "We are now very close to the point, with the vaccinations, where we are able to get on top of this, but it is not yet." There have been calls for the government to take tougher action against those who break the rules, such as refusing to wear masks in supermarkets, amid concern the disease is being spread by shoppers in the stores. "These rules are not boundaries to be pushed against. These rules are there to try and make sure we bring this virus under control," Zahawi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain steps up vaccinations as coronavirus cases surge, worst weeks still to come

Britain will become the first country to roll out the low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, another step forward in the global response to the pandemic.

Six hospitals in England will administer the first of around 530,000 doses Britain has ready. The programme will be expanded to hundreds of other British sites in the coming days, and the government hopes it will deliver tens of millions of doses within months.

"This is a pivotal moment in our fight against this awful virus and I hope it provides renewed hope to everybody that the end of this pandemic is in sight," health minister Matt Hancock said in a statement.

Last month Britain became the first country to use a different vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has to be stored at very low temperatures. Britain has so far injected around one million people with it.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is cheaper and can be stored at fridge temperature, which makes it easier to transport and use. India approved the vaccine on Sunday for emergency use.

Cases of COVID-19 in Britain have risen sharply in recent weeks, fuelled by a new and more transmissible variant of the virus. On Sunday there were nearly 55,000 new cases and in total more than 75,000 people in the country have died with COVID-19 during the pandemic - the second highest toll in Europe.

While the government has been keen to hail its vaccination programme as the furthest advanced in the world, it has had to balance the optimism of that message and plead with the public to stick to rules to prevent new infections.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that tougher restrictions were likely to be introduced, even with millions of citizens already living under the strictest tier of rules.

The spread of the variant virus has also forced the government to change its approach to vaccination. Britain is now prioritising getting a first dose of a vaccine to as many people as possible over giving second doses. Delaying the distribution of second shots should help stretch the supply.

The change of strategy has drawn criticism from some British doctors.

Britain will become the first country to roll out the low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, another step forward in the global response to the pandemic.

Britain will become the first country to roll out the low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, another step forward in the global response to the pandemic. Six hospitals in England will administer the first of around 530,000 doses Britain has ready. The programme will be expanded to hundreds of other British sites in the coming days, and the government hopes it will deliver tens of millions of doses within months. "This is a pivotal moment in our fight against this awful virus and I hope it provides renewed hope to everybody that the end of this pandemic is in sight," health minister Matt Hancock said in a statement. Last month Britain became the first country to use a different vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has to be stored at very low temperatures. Britain has so far injected around one million people with it. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is cheaper and can be stored at fridge temperature, which makes it easier to transport and use. India approved the vaccine on Sunday for emergency use. Cases of COVID-19 in Britain have risen sharply in recent weeks, fuelled by a new and more transmissible variant of the virus. On Sunday there were nearly 55,000 new cases and in total more than 75,000 people in the country have died with COVID-19 during the pandemic - the second highest toll in Europe. While the government has been keen to hail its vaccination programme as the furthest advanced in the world, it has had to balance the optimism of that message and plead with the public to stick to rules to prevent new infections. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that tougher restrictions were likely to be introduced, even with millions of citizens already living under the strictest tier of rules. The spread of the variant virus has also forced the government to change its approach to vaccination. Britain is now prioritising getting a first dose of a vaccine to as many people as possible over giving second doses. Delaying the distribution of second shots should help stretch the supply. The change of strategy has drawn criticism from some British doctors.

Britain set to roll out AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine starting today

Brazil`s health regulator Anvisa said late on Saturday it had approved the import of 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, although the jab is not yet approved for use in the country. 
 
Anvisa said it approved the importation request from federal government-affiliated biomedical centre Fiocruz on Thursday. 
 
Importing the doses prior to approval will enable vaccination to begin as soon as Anvisa okays its use, the regulator said. Brazil has yet to approve any vaccine. 
 
Fiocruz will apply for emergency use of the vaccine by Wednesday, its president, Nísia Trindade, said last week. 
 
Brazil has recorded the second-deadliest outbreak of COVID-19 after only the United States. South America`s largest country has the third-highest tally of coronavirus cases, with the health ministry registering more than 7.7 million, after the United States and India.

Brazil`s health regulator Anvisa said late on Saturday it had approved the import of 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, although the jab is not yet approved for use in the country.

Brazil`s health regulator Anvisa said late on Saturday it had approved the import of 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, although the jab is not yet approved for use in the country. Anvisa said it approved the importation request from federal government-affiliated biomedical centre Fiocruz on Thursday. Importing the doses prior to approval will enable vaccination to begin as soon as Anvisa okays its use, the regulator said. Brazil has yet to approve any vaccine. Fiocruz will apply for emergency use of the vaccine by Wednesday, its president, Nísia Trindade, said last week. Brazil has recorded the second-deadliest outbreak of COVID-19 after only the United States. South America`s largest country has the third-highest tally of coronavirus cases, with the health ministry registering more than 7.7 million, after the United States and India.

Brazil to import two million AstraZeneca vaccine doses, not yet approved for use

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP".

Taking to Twitter, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "I don't know about anyone else but when my turn comes I'll happily roll up my sleeve &amp; get a COVID vaccine."

The more people get vaccinated, the better it will be for the country and the economy, the National Conference (NC) vice president said.

"No vaccine belongs to any political party, they belong to humanity &amp; the sooner we get vulnerable people vaccinated the better," he tweeted.

While talking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav, said, "How can I trust the vaccine, which will be used for vaccination by the BJP? We cannot get vaccinated by the BJP's vaccine.

" On Saturday, an expert panel of India's central drug authority recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin with certain conditions, a day after giving similar directions for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had on Friday recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

The NC leader also tweeted that this "virus has been far too disruptive &amp; if a vaccine helps bring about a semblance of normalcy after all the chaos then sign me up."

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP".

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP". Taking to Twitter, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "I don't know about anyone else but when my turn comes I'll happily roll up my sleeve & get a COVID vaccine." The more people get vaccinated, the better it will be for the country and the economy, the National Conference (NC) vice president said. "No vaccine belongs to any political party, they belong to humanity & the sooner we get vulnerable people vaccinated the better," he tweeted. While talking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav, said, "How can I trust the vaccine, which will be used for vaccination by the BJP? We cannot get vaccinated by the BJP's vaccine. " On Saturday, an expert panel of India's central drug authority recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin with certain conditions, a day after giving similar directions for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had on Friday recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The NC leader also tweeted that this "virus has been far too disruptive & if a vaccine helps bring about a semblance of normalcy after all the chaos then sign me up."

Covid vaccines don't belong to any political party, but humanity: Omar Abdullah on Akhilesh's remark

Expert panel at&nbsp;Central Drugs Standard Control Organization&nbsp;has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine.

A decision on coronavirus vaccine made by Bharat Biotech is also likely.

As per reports, Serum Institute of India has already stored more than 50 million&nbsp;doses of Astrazeneca vaccine. SII had said several months ago that half of the vaccines it manufactures will be for vaccination purpose in India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oxford-vaccine-one-step-away-from-approval-in-india-353934">WATCH|</a>

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Indian&nbsp;government said on Wednesday that Pfizer Inc had sought more time to present data for emergency authorisation of a vaccine it has developed with Germany's BioNTech.

AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has already got approval in Britain and Argentina for urgent public use. USA, which has approved Pfizer vaccine is likely to approve use of Astrazeneca vaccine in April. as per reports received on Thursday.

Moncef Slaoui, the chief advisor to Operation Warp Speed, the military-led US effort for vaccines, told reporters that US trials and assessments would be complete for approval "sometime in early April."

"Several tens of millions of doses will have been manufactured... and therefore will be available for use if the data supports its approval," he said.

(With agency inputs)

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India.

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine. A decision on coronavirus vaccine made by Bharat Biotech is also likely. As per reports, Serum Institute of India has already stored more than 50 million doses of Astrazeneca vaccine. SII had said several months ago that half of the vaccines it manufactures will be for vaccination purpose in India. WATCH| × Indian government said on Wednesday that Pfizer Inc had sought more time to present data for emergency authorisation of a vaccine it has developed with Germany's BioNTech. AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has already got approval in Britain and Argentina for urgent public use. USA, which has approved Pfizer vaccine is likely to approve use of Astrazeneca vaccine in April. as per reports received on Thursday. Moncef Slaoui, the chief advisor to Operation Warp Speed, the military-led US effort for vaccines, told reporters that US trials and assessments would be complete for approval "sometime in early April." "Several tens of millions of doses will have been manufactured... and therefore will be available for use if the data supports its approval," he said. (With agency inputs)

Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions

About two million doses of COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca are set to be supplied every week by the middle of January in the United Kingdom.

AstraZeneca expects to supply 2 million doses of the vaccine in total by next week, the Times reported.

"The plan is then to build it up fairly rapidly - by the third week of January we should get to two million a week," the report added.

The report comes after Britain on Wednesday approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, hoping that rapid action will help it stem a record surge of infections driven by a highly contagious form of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered 100 million doses for the country as part of an agreement with the company. The company had said it aims to supply millions of doses in the first quarter, adding that first vaccinations are slated to begin this year.

Britain, which has recorded more than 50,000 new daily cases of COVID-19 for the last four days, is dealing with a rapid spread of a much more infectious variant of the coronavirus. As of Friday, the UK has recorded 53,285 new COVID-19 cases and 613 deaths.

About two million doses of COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca are set to be supplied every week by the middle of January in the United Kingdom.

About two million doses of COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca are set to be supplied every week by the middle of January in the United Kingdom. AstraZeneca expects to supply 2 million doses of the vaccine in total by next week, the Times reported. "The plan is then to build it up fairly rapidly - by the third week of January we should get to two million a week," the report added. The report comes after Britain on Wednesday approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, hoping that rapid action will help it stem a record surge of infections driven by a highly contagious form of the virus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered 100 million doses for the country as part of an agreement with the company. The company had said it aims to supply millions of doses in the first quarter, adding that first vaccinations are slated to begin this year. Britain, which has recorded more than 50,000 new daily cases of COVID-19 for the last four days, is dealing with a rapid spread of a much more infectious variant of the coronavirus. As of Friday, the UK has recorded 53,285 new COVID-19 cases and 613 deaths.

AstraZeneca to supply 2M doses of Covid vaccine every week in UK

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP".

"I will not take the COVID-19 vaccine at this moment. That too given by Bharatiya Janata Party. How can I trust BJP`s vaccine, not a chance&nbsp;When our government will be formed, everyone will get a free vaccine. We cannot take the BJP vaccine," said Akhilesh Yadav during a press conference here.

Further cornering the Centre over dry run which is being taken across all states and Union Territories, Yadav said, "What is the need for dry dun in the country. This government was eliminating coronavirus by clapping hands and beating utensils. What is the need for such a large cold chain? What is the need for the vaccine?"SP chief`s statement comes after Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and would not have adverse effects and urged people not to hesitate to take it.

"I want to assure everyone that the vaccine is very safe. It has cleared all safety trials and there are no adverse effects. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccine," Mande said.

Mande also said, "If Dr Harsh Vardhan said the dry run was a success in four states, which is the most authentic voice of the government. This is a very good development and should set the country on track for vaccination as soon as approval is granted."

According to the Union Health Ministry, the objective of the dry run is to "assess operational feasibility in the use of COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) application in a field environment, to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide the way forward prior to actual implementation".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP". "I will not take the COVID-19 vaccine at this moment. That too given by Bharatiya Janata Party. How can I trust BJP`s vaccine, not a chance When our government will be formed, everyone will get a free vaccine. We cannot take the BJP vaccine," said Akhilesh Yadav during a press conference here. Further cornering the Centre over dry run which is being taken across all states and Union Territories, Yadav said, "What is the need for dry dun in the country. This government was eliminating coronavirus by clapping hands and beating utensils. What is the need for such a large cold chain? What is the need for the vaccine?"SP chief`s statement comes after Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and would not have adverse effects and urged people not to hesitate to take it. "I want to assure everyone that the vaccine is very safe. It has cleared all safety trials and there are no adverse effects. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccine," Mande said. Mande also said, "If Dr Harsh Vardhan said the dry run was a success in four states, which is the most authentic voice of the government. This is a very good development and should set the country on track for vaccination as soon as approval is granted." According to the Union Health Ministry, the objective of the dry run is to "assess operational feasibility in the use of COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) application in a field environment, to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide the way forward prior to actual implementation". (With inputs from agencies)

‘How can I trust BJP’s vaccine?’ Akhilesh Yadav says won’t take Covid shot

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at&nbsp;Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled.

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).

As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination&nbsp;to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country.

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&nbsp;

Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day,&nbsp;aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system.

The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-panel-recommends-emergency-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-with-conditions-353860">Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions</a>

As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres.

While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive.

"In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet.

(With agency inputs)

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled. The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII). As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country. × Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day, aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system. The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges. Also Read | Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres. While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive. "In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet. (With agency inputs)

Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine.

India: Expert panel recommends use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University will likely be authorised for emergency use in the United States in April.

British regulators approved AstraZeneca's vaccine Wednesday, the first country in the world to do so, based in part on unpublished data.

Operation Warp Speed chief advisor Dr Moncef Slaoui Wednesday said recruitment for the British drugmaker's late-stage US trial is almost complete with over 29,000 participants enrolled.

Several scientists have raised doubts about the robustness of results from its British and Brazilian trials, showing the shot was 90 per cent effective in a sub-group of trial participants. That group, by error initially, received a half dose followed by a full dose. But the efficacy was 62% if the full dose was given twice, as it was for most participants.

Slaoui said it would ultimately be up to the US Food and Drug Administration as to how to evaluate the vaccine for US authorisation.

The chief advisor was also cautious about whether the United States should implement similar guidance as the UK regulators to space out the second dose of Pfizer Inc's by as much as 12 weeks, longer than what was studied in clinical trials.

Officials said that 14 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's have been distributed to states, short of their goal to send enough doses to vaccinate 20 million Americans this month. Only about 2 million Americans have been vaccinated thus far and officials said they were still studying why immunisations were slower than they anticipated.

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University will likely be authorised for emergency use in the United States in April.

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University will likely be authorised for emergency use in the United States in April. British regulators approved AstraZeneca's vaccine Wednesday, the first country in the world to do so, based in part on unpublished data. Operation Warp Speed chief advisor Dr Moncef Slaoui Wednesday said recruitment for the British drugmaker's late-stage US trial is almost complete with over 29,000 participants enrolled. Several scientists have raised doubts about the robustness of results from its British and Brazilian trials, showing the shot was 90 per cent effective in a sub-group of trial participants. That group, by error initially, received a half dose followed by a full dose. But the efficacy was 62% if the full dose was given twice, as it was for most participants. Slaoui said it would ultimately be up to the US Food and Drug Administration as to how to evaluate the vaccine for US authorisation. The chief advisor was also cautious about whether the United States should implement similar guidance as the UK regulators to space out the second dose of Pfizer Inc's by as much as 12 weeks, longer than what was studied in clinical trials. Officials said that 14 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's have been distributed to states, short of their goal to send enough doses to vaccinate 20 million Americans this month. Only about 2 million Americans have been vaccinated thus far and officials said they were still studying why immunisations were slower than they anticipated.

US may authorise AstraZeneca Covid vaccine for emergency use in April

India's process of vaccine roll out might take a little longer. An expert panel backed by India's drug regulator will seek more data from the leading vaccine candidates Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine before granting emergency use approval.

WION Dispatch: Indian experts take cautions approach,

British regulators have approved the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine as the country looks to accelerate its inoculation campaign. But Indian regulators have sought more data from the makers of the jab. WION's Palki Sharma has the full report.

Gravitas: Britain approves Astrazeneca-Oxford vaccine

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

Watch:

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The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19.

The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March.

"We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said.&nbsp;

"All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added.

Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University. Watch: The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19. The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March. "We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added. Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's SEC to decide on approving Serum Institute of India's Covishield vaccine for emergency use authorisation

The United Kingdom on Wednesday approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, and AstraZeneca for use in the country, paving way for further vaccination.

Earlier, the UK had become the first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, which is now being administered to people around the world.

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This approval means that Britain would upgrade its vaccination capability. The country has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine from the manufacturer - AstraZeneca, and it's enough to vaccinate 50 million people in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-to-approve-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-soon-adar-poonawalla-352976" hreflang="en">India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla</a>

The vaccine was developed in the first few months of 2020, and was tested on the first volunteer in April. Since then, thousands have participated in the trials.

Since the approval of the Pfizer jab in December, over 600,000 people have received the vaccine in the country.

Experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too. Considering the same,&nbsp;AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus.

he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc.

"We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published.

The United Kingdom on Wednesday approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, and AstraZeneca for use in the country, paving way for further vaccination.

The United Kingdom on Wednesday approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, and AstraZeneca for use in the country, paving way for further vaccination. Earlier, the UK had become the first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, which is now being administered to people around the world. This approval means that Britain would upgrade its vaccination capability. The country has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine from the manufacturer - AstraZeneca, and it's enough to vaccinate 50 million people in the country. Also read: India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla The vaccine was developed in the first few months of 2020, and was tested on the first volunteer in April. Since then, thousands have participated in the trials. Since the approval of the Pfizer jab in December, over 600,000 people have received the vaccine in the country. Experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too. Considering the same, AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus. he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said. Also read: AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc. "We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published.

British regulator approves Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

U.K. approval would provide vindication for the AstraZeneca-Oxford shot, which has been slowed by questions about discrepancies in the trial results.

AstraZeneca Covid vaccine to be approved by UK within days

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established,&nbsp;Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world.

"We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said.&nbsp;

He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-launches-mass-covid-19-vaccination-drive-352837">WATCH|</a>

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Poonawalla has also reported&nbsp;that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first".

Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the&nbsp;AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021.&nbsp;

Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday. As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established, Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported. Also read| AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world. "We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said. He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said. WATCH| × Poonawalla has also reported that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first". Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021. Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too.

Considering the same,&nbsp;AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-confirms-two-cases-of-coronavirus-variant-first-seen-in-uk-352638" hreflang="en">Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK</a>

While Soriot is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said.

Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-inoculate-quarter-of-its-population-against-coronavirus-in-a-month-says-netanyahu-352705" hreflang="en">Israel to inoculate quarter of its population in a month, says Netanyahu</a>

"We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published.

As AstraZeneca got the approval of emergency use, the vaccine is expected to be rolled out by January first week. However, the experts are raising doubts against it.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-begins-vaccine-rollout-as-new-virus-strain-spreads-fears-352641" hreflang="en">Europe begins vaccine rollout as new virus strain spreads fears</a>

"The medicines regulator is reviewing the final data from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca phase three clinical trials to determine whether the vaccine meets their strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness,"&nbsp;a government spokesperson said. "We must now give the MHRA the time to carry out its important work and we must wait for its advice."

AstraZeneca's chief's statements came after the European Union countries, too, started their vaccination drive from Sunday after the US, UK, Britain, Israel and many other countries have set their targets to vaccinate majority population.

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too.

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too. Considering the same, AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus. Also read| Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK While Soriot is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said. Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc. Also read| Israel to inoculate quarter of its population in a month, says Netanyahu "We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published. As AstraZeneca got the approval of emergency use, the vaccine is expected to be rolled out by January first week. However, the experts are raising doubts against it. Also read| Europe begins vaccine rollout as new virus strain spreads fears "The medicines regulator is reviewing the final data from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca phase three clinical trials to determine whether the vaccine meets their strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness," a government spokesperson said. "We must now give the MHRA the time to carry out its important work and we must wait for its advice." AstraZeneca's chief's statements came after the European Union countries, too, started their vaccination drive from Sunday after the US, UK, Britain, Israel and many other countries have set their targets to vaccinate majority population.

AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus

Scientifically, it is highly likely that the immune response by this vaccine also can deal with the new virus variant.

Can new vaccines take on Covid mutation?

India is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week after its local manufacturer submitted additional data sought by authorities, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

This could be the first country to give the regulatory green light for the British drugmaker's vaccine as the British medicine regulator continues to examine data from the trials.

India, the world's biggest vaccine-making country, wants to start inoculating its citizens next month and is also considering emergency use authorisation applications for vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and local company Bharat Biotech.

Getting vaccines to the world's second-most populous country with one of the highest infection rates will also be a big step in the battle against the pandemic.

The AstraZeneca-Oxford shot is considered vital for lower-income countries and those in hot climates because it is cheaper, easier to transport and can be stored for long periods at normal fridge temperatures.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) first reviewed the <a href="https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/system/modules/CDSCO.WEB/elements/common_download.jsp?num_id_pk=MTI3NQ==">three applications</a> on Dec. 9 and sought more information from all the companies, including from Serum Institute of India (SII), which is making the AstraZeneca shots.

Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, has now provided all the data, the two sources said. The authorities were still waiting for more details from Pfizer, a government health adviser told a news briefing on Tuesday, while one of the sources said additional information was expected from Bharat Biotech.

Both sources said Indian health officials were in direct contact with their British counterparts over the AstraZeneca shot and that there were "strong indications" an approval would come by next week.

The expected approval comes after data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil released earlier this month showed the vaccine had efficacy of 62 per cent&nbsp;for trial participants given two full doses, but 90&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;for a smaller sub-group given a half, then a full dose.

The Indian regulator is only considering the two full-dose regimen of the shot despite it showing a lower success rate, the sources said.

"Serum is ready," said one of the sources. "Initially, we may get around 50 million to 60 million doses."

The sources declined to be named as deliberations were ongoing and the timeline could change.

CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer declined to comment, while SII did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

India has not yet signed a vaccine supply deal with any company, but SII has already stockpiled more than 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot and plans to make a total of 400 million doses by July.

India is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week after its local manufacturer submitted additional data sought by authorities, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

India is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week after its local manufacturer submitted additional data sought by authorities, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. This could be the first country to give the regulatory green light for the British drugmaker's vaccine as the British medicine regulator continues to examine data from the trials. India, the world's biggest vaccine-making country, wants to start inoculating its citizens next month and is also considering emergency use authorisation applications for vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and local company Bharat Biotech. Getting vaccines to the world's second-most populous country with one of the highest infection rates will also be a big step in the battle against the pandemic. The AstraZeneca-Oxford shot is considered vital for lower-income countries and those in hot climates because it is cheaper, easier to transport and can be stored for long periods at normal fridge temperatures. India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) first reviewed the three applications on Dec. 9 and sought more information from all the companies, including from Serum Institute of India (SII), which is making the AstraZeneca shots. Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, has now provided all the data, the two sources said. The authorities were still waiting for more details from Pfizer, a government health adviser told a news briefing on Tuesday, while one of the sources said additional information was expected from Bharat Biotech. Both sources said Indian health officials were in direct contact with their British counterparts over the AstraZeneca shot and that there were "strong indications" an approval would come by next week. The expected approval comes after data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil released earlier this month showed the vaccine had efficacy of 62 per cent for trial participants given two full doses, but 90 per cent for a smaller sub-group given a half, then a full dose. The Indian regulator is only considering the two full-dose regimen of the shot despite it showing a lower success rate, the sources said. "Serum is ready," said one of the sources. "Initially, we may get around 50 million to 60 million doses." The sources declined to be named as deliberations were ongoing and the timeline could change. CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer declined to comment, while SII did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. India has not yet signed a vaccine supply deal with any company, but SII has already stockpiled more than 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot and plans to make a total of 400 million doses by July.

India likely to approve AstraZeneca vaccine by next week: Sources

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-self-isolate-after-macron-tests-covid-19-positive-350545">Also read | European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive</a> 
 
The vaccine candidate, which has been licensed to AstraZeneca, has published interim late-stage trial results showing higher efficacy when a half dose is followed by a full dose, compared to a two full-dose regime, though more work needs to be done to affirm the result.

The details from the Phase I/II clinical trials released on Thursday made no reference to the half-dose/full-dose regime, which Oxford has said had been “unplanned” but approved by regulators.

The university said it had explored two dosing regimes in early-stage trials, a full-dose/full-dose regime and a full-dose/half-dose regime, investigated as a possible “dose sparing” strategy.

“The booster doses of the vaccine are both shown to induce stronger antibody responses than a single dose, the standard dose/standard dose inducing the best response,” the university said in a statement.

The vaccine “stimulates broad antibody and T cell functions,” it said after publishing further data from the Phase I/II clinical trials. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster.

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster. Also read | European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive The vaccine candidate, which has been licensed to AstraZeneca, has published interim late-stage trial results showing higher efficacy when a half dose is followed by a full dose, compared to a two full-dose regime, though more work needs to be done to affirm the result. The details from the Phase I/II clinical trials released on Thursday made no reference to the half-dose/full-dose regime, which Oxford has said had been “unplanned” but approved by regulators. The university said it had explored two dosing regimes in early-stage trials, a full-dose/full-dose regime and a full-dose/half-dose regime, investigated as a possible “dose sparing” strategy. “The booster doses of the vaccine are both shown to induce stronger antibody responses than a single dose, the standard dose/standard dose inducing the best response,” the university said in a statement. The vaccine “stimulates broad antibody and T cell functions,” it said after publishing further data from the Phase I/II clinical trials. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxford says Covid-19 vaccine has good immune response with 2-dose regime

Approximately two million members of the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are&nbsp;secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report.

An explosive data leak, obtained by 'The Australian'&nbsp;newspaper, comprises not only&nbsp;the names of around two million CCP agents but also, has their party position, birth-date, national ID number, and ethnicity.

According to the list of data, the companies which are being secretly infiltrated by CCP members include&nbsp;manufacturers such as Boeing and Volkswagen, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, and banks like ANZ and HSBC. 
 
"It is believed to be the first leak of its kind in the world," The Australian journalist and Sky News host Sharri Markson said. "What`s amazing about this database is not just that it exposes people who are members of the Communist Party, and who are now living and working all over the world, from Australia to the US to the UK, but it`s amazing because it lifts the lid on how the party operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping," she added. 
 
Around 79,000 CCP branches have been set up inside western companies where members if called on, are answerable directly to the Communist Party and President Xi himself, the reports said. 
 
"It is also going to embarrass some global companies who appear to have no plan in place to protect their intellectual property from theft, from economic espionage," Markson said. 
 
The data was reportedly extracted from a server in Shanghai in 2016 by Chinese dissidents, who used it for counterintelligence purposes. It was later leaked to the international bipartisan group the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, before being sent to the international consortium of four media organisations--The Australian, the UK`s Mail on Sunday, Belgium`s De Standaard, and a Swedish editor. 
 
The Australian did not name the individual members on the list, only the companies they work for.

Approximately two million members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report.

Approximately two million members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report. An explosive data leak, obtained by 'The Australian' newspaper, comprises not only the names of around two million CCP agents but also, has their party position, birth-date, national ID number, and ethnicity. According to the list of data, the companies which are being secretly infiltrated by CCP members include manufacturers such as Boeing and Volkswagen, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, and banks like ANZ and HSBC. "It is believed to be the first leak of its kind in the world," The Australian journalist and Sky News host Sharri Markson said. "What`s amazing about this database is not just that it exposes people who are members of the Communist Party, and who are now living and working all over the world, from Australia to the US to the UK, but it`s amazing because it lifts the lid on how the party operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping," she added. Around 79,000 CCP branches have been set up inside western companies where members if called on, are answerable directly to the Communist Party and President Xi himself, the reports said. "It is also going to embarrass some global companies who appear to have no plan in place to protect their intellectual property from theft, from economic espionage," Markson said. The data was reportedly extracted from a server in Shanghai in 2016 by Chinese dissidents, who used it for counterintelligence purposes. It was later leaked to the international bipartisan group the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, before being sent to the international consortium of four media organisations--The Australian, the UK`s Mail on Sunday, Belgium`s De Standaard, and a Swedish editor. The Australian did not name the individual members on the list, only the companies they work for.

Two million members of Chinese Communist Party infiltrating world's biggest companies: Report

Vaccines may not put an end to the pandemic. As for the virus- it may be here to stay. Past pandemics, present numbers, and experts- all corroborate this. Listen in to WION's Palki Sharma.

Gravitas Plus: Will the entry of vaccines spell the exit of the pandemic?

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology.&nbsp;

"Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology, bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement, announcing the year's biggest deal in the pharma sector.

"We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients," he said.

Both boards have agreed to the cash-and-stock deal, which values Alexion at $175 a share, a premium of 45 percent to the Boston-based company's closing price on Friday.

Since taking the helm at AstraZeneca in 2012, Soriot has pushed the group into lucrative treatments such as cancer therapies, and the Alexion takeover will give it more heft in areas such as treating blood disorders.

Along with researchers from the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca has developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine which the UK government plans to use as the lynchpin of its inoculation drive, after first rolling out another vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech.

But approval of the AstraZeneca/Oxford drug has been held up after queries over its initial trial results.&nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the UK partners became the first Covid-19 vaccine makers to publish final-stage clinical trial data in a scientific journal, clearing a key hurdle.

The new acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, and Alexion shareholders will own 15 percent of the combined company.

"This transaction marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Alexion," Alexion chief executive Ludwig Hantson said.

"We bring to AstraZeneca a strong portfolio, innovative rare disease pipeline, a talented global workforce and strong manufacturing capabilities in biologics," he said.

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology.

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology. "Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology, bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement, announcing the year's biggest deal in the pharma sector. "We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients," he said. Both boards have agreed to the cash-and-stock deal, which values Alexion at $175 a share, a premium of 45 percent to the Boston-based company's closing price on Friday. Since taking the helm at AstraZeneca in 2012, Soriot has pushed the group into lucrative treatments such as cancer therapies, and the Alexion takeover will give it more heft in areas such as treating blood disorders. Along with researchers from the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca has developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine which the UK government plans to use as the lynchpin of its inoculation drive, after first rolling out another vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech. But approval of the AstraZeneca/Oxford drug has been held up after queries over its initial trial results. On Tuesday, the UK partners became the first Covid-19 vaccine makers to publish final-stage clinical trial data in a scientific journal, clearing a key hurdle. The new acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, and Alexion shareholders will own 15 percent of the combined company. "This transaction marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Alexion," Alexion chief executive Ludwig Hantson said. "We bring to AstraZeneca a strong portfolio, innovative rare disease pipeline, a talented global workforce and strong manufacturing capabilities in biologics," he said.

AstraZeneca to buy US biotech firm Alexion for USD 39 billion 

Britain`s AstraZeneca said on Friday it would investigate combining its experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia`s Sputnik V vaccine candidate, a move Russian scientists have suggested could sharply boost efficacy.

The developers of Sputnik V suggested on Twitter last month that AstraZeneca try the combination.

"Sputnik V is happy to share one of its two human adenoviral vectors with AstraZeneca to increase the efficacy of (the) AstraZeneca vaccine. Using two different vectors for two vaccine shots will result in higher efficacy than using the same vector for two shots," they said on Nov. 23.

In its statement on Friday, AstraZeneca said it was considering how it could assess combinations of different vaccines, and would soon begin exploring with Russia`s Gamaleya Institute, which developed Sputnik V, whether two common cold virus-based vaccines could be successfully combined.

Data published in a journal this week showed that AstraZeneca`s vaccine, being developed along with The University of Oxford, has average efficacy of 70.4%, based on a pooled analysis of interim data from late stage trials.

Russia has claimed Sputnik V is 92% effective at protecting people from COVID-19, according to interim trial results.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia`s RDIF sovereign wealth fund, which has funded Sputnik V, said: "This shows the strength of Sputnik V technology and our willingness and desire to partner with other vaccines to fight against COVID together."

Britain`s AstraZeneca said on Friday it would investigate combining its experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia`s Sputnik V vaccine candidate, a move Russian scientists have suggested could sharply boost efficacy.

Britain`s AstraZeneca said on Friday it would investigate combining its experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia`s Sputnik V vaccine candidate, a move Russian scientists have suggested could sharply boost efficacy. The developers of Sputnik V suggested on Twitter last month that AstraZeneca try the combination. "Sputnik V is happy to share one of its two human adenoviral vectors with AstraZeneca to increase the efficacy of (the) AstraZeneca vaccine. Using two different vectors for two vaccine shots will result in higher efficacy than using the same vector for two shots," they said on Nov. 23. In its statement on Friday, AstraZeneca said it was considering how it could assess combinations of different vaccines, and would soon begin exploring with Russia`s Gamaleya Institute, which developed Sputnik V, whether two common cold virus-based vaccines could be successfully combined. Data published in a journal this week showed that AstraZeneca`s vaccine, being developed along with The University of Oxford, has average efficacy of 70.4%, based on a pooled analysis of interim data from late stage trials. Russia has claimed Sputnik V is 92% effective at protecting people from COVID-19, according to interim trial results. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia`s RDIF sovereign wealth fund, which has funded Sputnik V, said: "This shows the strength of Sputnik V technology and our willingness and desire to partner with other vaccines to fight against COVID together."

AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot

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