Brazil's health ministry on Thursday signed a deal with India's Bharat Biotech to purchase 20 million doses of Covaxin, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>.&nbsp;

The news came a day before Brazil marks one year since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the country after a Sao Paulo businessman returning from a trip to Italy tested positive.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-south-africa-brazil-mutated-covid-strains-reached-india-364176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The health ministry in a statement said the 1.6 billion reais ($290,000) contract will assure the country 20 million shots, with the first eight million expected to arrive in March.

Also read | <a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/world/how-pfizer-tried-to-bully-argentina-and-brazil-in-exchange-for-vaccines-366037/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">How Pfizer tried to bully Argentina and Brazil in exchange for vaccines</a>

The next batch of another eight million will likely reach Brazil in April and May.

The deal comes as Brazil on Thursday crossed the grim milestone of 250,000 deaths due to novel coronavirus with 1,541 fatalities in the last 24 hours, the second-highest daily death toll.&nbsp;

This has been the deadliest week so far in the country with a daily average of 1,149 deaths over the last seven days, according to the official data.&nbsp;

So far, Brazil has vaccinated less than four cent of its population of 210 people and certain cities have also stopped immunisation campaigns due to the unavailability of vaccine supplies.&nbsp;

The South American country has seen 10,390,461 Covid-19 infections, the third-highest globally after the United States and India.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Brazil's health ministry on Thursday signed a deal with India's Bharat Biotech to purchase 20 million doses of Covaxin, a coronavirus vaccine. The news came a day before Brazil marks one year since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the country after a Sao Paulo businessman returning from a trip to Italy tested positive.

Brazil's health ministry on Thursday signed a deal with India's Bharat Biotech to purchase 20 million doses of Covaxin, a coronavirus vaccine. The news came a day before Brazil marks one year since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the country after a Sao Paulo businessman returning from a trip to Italy tested positive. Watch | The health ministry in a statement said the 1.6 billion reais ($290,000) contract will assure the country 20 million shots, with the first eight million expected to arrive in March. Also read | How Pfizer tried to bully Argentina and Brazil in exchange for vaccines The next batch of another eight million will likely reach Brazil in April and May. The deal comes as Brazil on Thursday crossed the grim milestone of 250,000 deaths due to novel coronavirus with 1,541 fatalities in the last 24 hours, the second-highest daily death toll. This has been the deadliest week so far in the country with a daily average of 1,149 deaths over the last seven days, according to the official data. So far, Brazil has vaccinated less than four cent of its population of 210 people and certain cities have also stopped immunisation campaigns due to the unavailability of vaccine supplies. The South American country has seen 10,390,461 Covid-19 infections, the third-highest globally after the United States and India.

Brazil signs deal with India's Bharat Biotech for 20 million Covid-19 vaccine doses

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.&nbsp;

The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12000-covid-19-cases-reported-in-one-day-78-new-fatalities-361928" hreflang="en">Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities</a>

The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic.

With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/25-countries-in-queue-for-made-in-india-covid-19-vaccine-jaishankar-361772" hreflang="en">25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar</a>

So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses.

In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers. The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. Also read| Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic. With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine. Also read| 25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses. In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

Afghan security forces, health workers to be vaccinated using India-made COVID vaccines

The Brazilian government on Wednesday said that it was negotiating with countries including India to buy 30 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for exporting vaccines to Brazil.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-starts-vaccination-drive-with-indian-jab-359042/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India has earlier provided 2 million doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, to Brazil.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-hanuman-image-brazil-president-bolsonaro-thanks-pm-modi-for-covid-vaccines-358644">With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines</a>

Until now, only Oxford/AstraZeneca's and China's CoronaVac have been given approval in the country.

But, the Brazilian health ministry said on Wednesday that it is meeting Indian and Russian representatives on Wednesday to secure a deal to grant emergency authorisation to Russia's Sputnik V and India's Covaxin.&nbsp;

The deal would provide Brazil 10 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine and 20 million shots of Covaxin and will be delivered in February and March.

Brazil is the second-worst-hit country from the novel coronavirus with over 226,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Medical journal The Lancet this week published results of Sputnik V saying the vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6 per cent and is safe to use.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India is continuing its 'vaccine diplomacy' by providing million of Covid-19 shots to neighbouring nations like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, among others.&nbsp;

'Made in India' vaccines have also reached countries like Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, and Algeria.&nbsp;

India is one of the biggest vaccine manufacturers in the world and several nations have approached India for Covid-19 shots to battle the deadly virus that has wreaked havoc across the world.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Brazilian government on Wednesday said that it was negotiating with countries including India to buy 30 million doses of coronavirus vaccines. The announcement comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for exporting vaccines to Brazil.

The Brazilian government on Wednesday said that it was negotiating with countries including India to buy 30 million doses of coronavirus vaccines. The announcement comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for exporting vaccines to Brazil. Watch | India has earlier provided 2 million doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Serum Institute of India, to Brazil. Also read | With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines Until now, only Oxford/AstraZeneca's and China's CoronaVac have been given approval in the country. But, the Brazilian health ministry said on Wednesday that it is meeting Indian and Russian representatives on Wednesday to secure a deal to grant emergency authorisation to Russia's Sputnik V and India's Covaxin. The deal would provide Brazil 10 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine and 20 million shots of Covaxin and will be delivered in February and March. Brazil is the second-worst-hit country from the novel coronavirus with over 226,000 deaths. Medical journal The Lancet this week published results of Sputnik V saying the vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6 per cent and is safe to use. Meanwhile, India is continuing its 'vaccine diplomacy' by providing million of Covid-19 shots to neighbouring nations like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, among others. 'Made in India' vaccines have also reached countries like Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, and Algeria. India is one of the biggest vaccine manufacturers in the world and several nations have approached India for Covid-19 shots to battle the deadly virus that has wreaked havoc across the world.

Brazil seeks to buy 30 million Covid-19 shots, including ones by India's Covaxin

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN. Once approved by the local regulator, India is expected to donate some doses and open the doors for exports in commercial terms, as are being done currently by Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers.

India's envoy to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran in a tweet said, "A moment of pride for Indian R&amp;D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in the Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible!"

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A moment of pride for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> R&amp;D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Philippines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Philippines</a>, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible! <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICMRDELHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN">https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN</a>
— Shambhu Kumaran (@shambhukumaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/shambhukumaran/status/1352223698938302464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The local drug regulatory authorities are looking for more clinical data from phase three trials and efficacy data. Phase III human clinical trials of COVAXIN began mid-November. The development is seen as a major step when it comes to India's vaccine exports and a boost to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliance).&nbsp;

The EUA was applied as a part of "pro-active" action and an immediate approval will be issued as soon as the data comes. A delay in such action also means an impact on commercial deals in a very competitive coronavirus vaccine market. Interestingly, the Philippines already had a deal with Novavax for coronavirus vaccines for the supply of 30 million doses commercially.&nbsp;

While India has so far exported India-made vaccines, the new frontier is seen when the export of India-developed vaccines becomes the norm. Meanwhile, Philippines foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr has lauded India's vaccine diplomacy and, in a tweet, said, "we're looking to India to teach us. We're certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done"

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We’re looking to India to teach us. We’re certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done. <a href="https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk">https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk</a>
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1355168310304804867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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New Delhi has gifted India-Made COVISHIELD vaccine of Oxford-AstraZeneca, made by Serum Institute of India, to 10 countries — Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Oman. &nbsp;

On Friday, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, speaking to WION, said Bharat Biotech has offered its vaccines to the country. Bangladesh is keen on the co-production of vaccines with India. Brazilian companies have also signed an agreement for the supply of COVAXIN&nbsp;from India. Supplies to the private market would be based upon receipt of market authorisation from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority.

India produces 60 per cent&nbsp;of global vaccines and amid the pandemic reaffirmed the position as the "Pharmacy of the world" by supplying HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries.&nbsp;

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN.

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN. Once approved by the local regulator, India is expected to donate some doses and open the doors for exports in commercial terms, as are being done currently by Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers. India's envoy to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran in a tweet said, "A moment of pride for Indian R&D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in the Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible!" A moment of pride for #Indian R&D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in #Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible! @BharatBiotech @ICMRDELHI https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN — Shambhu Kumaran (@shambhukumaran) January 21, 2021 × The local drug regulatory authorities are looking for more clinical data from phase three trials and efficacy data. Phase III human clinical trials of COVAXIN began mid-November. The development is seen as a major step when it comes to India's vaccine exports and a boost to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliance). The EUA was applied as a part of "pro-active" action and an immediate approval will be issued as soon as the data comes. A delay in such action also means an impact on commercial deals in a very competitive coronavirus vaccine market. Interestingly, the Philippines already had a deal with Novavax for coronavirus vaccines for the supply of 30 million doses commercially. While India has so far exported India-made vaccines, the new frontier is seen when the export of India-developed vaccines becomes the norm. Meanwhile, Philippines foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr has lauded India's vaccine diplomacy and, in a tweet, said, "we're looking to India to teach us. We're certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done" We’re looking to India to teach us. We’re certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done. https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk — Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 29, 2021 × New Delhi has gifted India-Made COVISHIELD vaccine of Oxford-AstraZeneca, made by Serum Institute of India, to 10 countries — Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Oman. On Friday, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, speaking to WION, said Bharat Biotech has offered its vaccines to the country. Bangladesh is keen on the co-production of vaccines with India. Brazilian companies have also signed an agreement for the supply of COVAXIN from India. Supplies to the private market would be based upon receipt of market authorisation from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority. India produces 60 per cent of global vaccines and amid the pandemic reaffirmed the position as the "Pharmacy of the world" by supplying HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries.

With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines

According to a new study, India's homegrown jab Covaxin is likely to be effective against the UK variant of the Coronavirus. Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech, it has been approved for emergency use by India's drug regulators.

Study: Covaxin developed by Indian Pharma firm Bharat Biotech neutralizes UK variant

COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to&nbsp;work against the&nbsp;UK variant of the virus, a study claims.

The company shared a study on 26 participants which posited that it offers protection from the UK strain of coronavirus. COVAXIN is being used across India after receiving emergency-use authorisation earlier in January.

"Sera from the vaccine recipients could neutralise the UK-variant strains discounting the uncertainty around potential escape," scientists from the company wrote.

Bharat Biotech is collaborating with Indian Council of Medical Research’s NIV.

"It is unlikely that the mutation 501Y would be able to dampen the potential benefits of the vaccine in concern”, scientists wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covaxin-consent-form-assures-compensation-in-case-of-adverse-effects-357197" hreflang="en">Covaxin consent form assures compensation in case of adverse effects</a>

Earlier, US company Pfizer, along with its German partner BioNTech said that its vaccine is also likely to protect against the UK Strain.

The UK variant has spread across the world now, with 150 cases in India. UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently claimed that the new variant is not only more transmissible, but also more fatal.

India’s drug regulator claims that COVAXIN can act against the whole body of a virus, instead of its spike-protein tip, making it more effective against mutations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covaxin-will-protect-against-new-variants-of-coronavirus-indian-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-354381" hreflang="en">Covaxin will protect against new variants of coronavirus: Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>

India began its vaccination drive on Jan 16, and has so far inoculated 2 million people, especially frontline workers including nurses and doctors. India has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States. The country has also approved the jab developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca.

COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to work against the UK variant of the virus, a study claims.

COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to work against the UK variant of the virus, a study claims. The company shared a study on 26 participants which posited that it offers protection from the UK strain of coronavirus. COVAXIN is being used across India after receiving emergency-use authorisation earlier in January. "Sera from the vaccine recipients could neutralise the UK-variant strains discounting the uncertainty around potential escape," scientists from the company wrote. Bharat Biotech is collaborating with Indian Council of Medical Research’s NIV. "It is unlikely that the mutation 501Y would be able to dampen the potential benefits of the vaccine in concern”, scientists wrote. Also read: Covaxin consent form assures compensation in case of adverse effects Earlier, US company Pfizer, along with its German partner BioNTech said that its vaccine is also likely to protect against the UK Strain. The UK variant has spread across the world now, with 150 cases in India. UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently claimed that the new variant is not only more transmissible, but also more fatal. India’s drug regulator claims that COVAXIN can act against the whole body of a virus, instead of its spike-protein tip, making it more effective against mutations. Also read: Covaxin will protect against new variants of coronavirus: Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan India began its vaccination drive on Jan 16, and has so far inoculated 2 million people, especially frontline workers including nurses and doctors. India has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States. The country has also approved the jab developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca.

India's COVAXIN offers protection against UK variant of coronavirus: Study

Watch Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma - Dominica sent an SOS letter to India. - U.K, and Belgium want to procure Indian vaccines. - India's Vaccine Maitri is healing its neighbours. - Brazil, Morocco received their first consignment from India. -The World is leaning on India for Wuhan Virus vaccination.

Gravitas Plus: India sets an example with Vaccine Maitri

India in a major step to help its neighbours in the region will provide vaccines to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and at no cost to Bhutan. It is considered as India's soft vaccine diplomacy which would enhance ties within the region.

India to export COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours, Bhutan to get it free

A consent form for Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech is promising compensation to the receiver in case of "severe adverse event". Although the vaccine has demonstrated ability to produce antibodies the "clinical efficacy is yet to be established and it is still being studied in phase 3 clinical trial" said the form. Health workers got there firsts shot of Covaxin on Saturday.

The form said that it was important to continue taking COVID-related precautions even after receiving the medicine. Authorities said that if a recipient needs medical care after taking the vaccine it will surely be given to him in government-designated hospitals

Authorities said in case of any adverse event, the affected person will be provided medically-recognised standard of care in the government-designated hospitals. 
"The compensation for a serious adverse event will be paid by sponsor (Bharat Biotech) if the SAE is proven to be causally related to the vaccine," the form read.

The recipients were also given a factsheet and a form to report adverse effects within seven days.

Those who received the first jabs of Covaxin after signing the form at AIIMs included Director Randeep Guleria and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, who is also head of an empowered group on medical equipment and management plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/116-people-infected-with-uk-coronavirus-variant-in-india-357121">116 people infected with UK coronavirus variant in India&nbsp;</a> 
 
Indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech was approved by India's drug regulator for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest, in clinical trial mode, especially in case of infection by mutant strains.

ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava had earlier said that the clinical mode means that all those who would be administered Covaxin would give consent for the vaccine, there would be no placebo and there would be a closer follow up.

In the national capital, the COVID-19 vaccination exercise began at 81 centres with healthcare workers who have been in the forefront of the fight against the pandemic getting the shots first.

The 81 sites include six central government facilities -- AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital, Kalawati Saran Children Hospital and two ESI hospitals.

The rest 75 centres, spanning all 11 districts of Delhi, include Delhi government-run facilities such as LNJP Hospital, GTB Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, DDU Hospital, BSA Hospital, Delhi State Cancer Institute, ILBS Hospital, and private facilities such as Max Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Apollo Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is being administered at 75 centres, while Covaxin is being given at the remaining six facilities.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

A consent form for Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech is promising compensation to the receiver in case of "severe adverse event". Although the vaccine has demonstrated ability to produce antibodies the "clinical efficacy is yet to be established and it is still being studied in phase 3 clinical trial" said the form.

A consent form for Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech is promising compensation to the receiver in case of "severe adverse event". Although the vaccine has demonstrated ability to produce antibodies the "clinical efficacy is yet to be established and it is still being studied in phase 3 clinical trial" said the form. Health workers got there firsts shot of Covaxin on Saturday. The form said that it was important to continue taking COVID-related precautions even after receiving the medicine. Authorities said that if a recipient needs medical care after taking the vaccine it will surely be given to him in government-designated hospitals Authorities said in case of any adverse event, the affected person will be provided medically-recognised standard of care in the government-designated hospitals. "The compensation for a serious adverse event will be paid by sponsor (Bharat Biotech) if the SAE is proven to be causally related to the vaccine," the form read. The recipients were also given a factsheet and a form to report adverse effects within seven days. Those who received the first jabs of Covaxin after signing the form at AIIMs included Director Randeep Guleria and NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, who is also head of an empowered group on medical equipment and management plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: 116 people infected with UK coronavirus variant in India Indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech was approved by India's drug regulator for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest, in clinical trial mode, especially in case of infection by mutant strains. ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava had earlier said that the clinical mode means that all those who would be administered Covaxin would give consent for the vaccine, there would be no placebo and there would be a closer follow up. In the national capital, the COVID-19 vaccination exercise began at 81 centres with healthcare workers who have been in the forefront of the fight against the pandemic getting the shots first. The 81 sites include six central government facilities -- AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital, Kalawati Saran Children Hospital and two ESI hospitals. The rest 75 centres, spanning all 11 districts of Delhi, include Delhi government-run facilities such as LNJP Hospital, GTB Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, DDU Hospital, BSA Hospital, Delhi State Cancer Institute, ILBS Hospital, and private facilities such as Max Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Apollo Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is being administered at 75 centres, while Covaxin is being given at the remaining six facilities. (With PTI inputs)

Covaxin consent form assures compensation in case of adverse effects

India is set to start the largest vaccination programme in the world. But, politicians want to play politics over the vaccines.

Gravitas: India's vaccine rollout

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the&nbsp;Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine.

"It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic," Bill Gates tweeted on Tuesday while tagging the Prime Minister's official Twitter account.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-roll-out-in-10-days-government-354599" hreflang="en">India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government</a>

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It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3">https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3</a>
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1346184604827279360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The message has come two days after the&nbsp;Drug Controller General of India approved AstraZeneca/Oxford's vaccine Covishield — which is being&nbsp;manufactured by the Serum Institute of India — and&nbsp;Bharat Biotech's&nbsp;indigenously developed vaccine Covaxin.

Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also took to Twitter to congratulate India for this achievement. "India continues to take decisive action &amp; demonstrate its resolve to end COVID19 pandemic. As the Earth globe europe-africa’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so," he said. "If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective &amp; safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> continues to take decisive action &amp; demonstrate its resolve to end <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> pandemic. As the 🌍’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so. 
If we <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ACTogether</a>, we can ensure effective &amp; safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1346203046959865860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-vaccine-rollout-354478">WATCH|</a>

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Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has assured people that India will soon be beginning the world's biggest&nbsp;inoculation drive. "World's biggest COVID-19 vaccination programme set to begin in India. For this, the country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," Modi said.

"As the largest vaccine producing country in the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis," he continued.

On Tuesday, the Indian government also announced that the country is all set to&nbsp;roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).&nbsp;

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine.

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine. "It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic," Bill Gates tweeted on Tuesday while tagging the Prime Minister's official Twitter account. Also read| India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic @PMOIndia https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3 — Bill Gates (@BillGates) January 4, 2021 × The message has come two days after the Drug Controller General of India approved AstraZeneca/Oxford's vaccine Covishield — which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India — and Bharat Biotech's indigenously developed vaccine Covaxin. Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also took to Twitter to congratulate India for this achievement. "India continues to take decisive action & demonstrate its resolve to end COVID19 pandemic. As the Earth globe europe-africa’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so," he said. "If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective & safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere." #India continues to take decisive action & demonstrate its resolve to end #COVID19 pandemic. As the 🌍’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so. If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective & safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere @narendramodi — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 4, 2021 × WATCH| × Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has assured people that India will soon be beginning the world's biggest inoculation drive. "World's biggest COVID-19 vaccination programme set to begin in India. For this, the country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," Modi said. "As the largest vaccine producing country in the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis," he continued. On Tuesday, the Indian government also announced that the country is all set to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).

Bill Gates and other world leaders applaud India for quick vaccine production

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency&nbsp;use authorisation(EUA).&nbsp;

Watch:

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Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these&nbsp;centres which would be digitally monitored.

"There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.

The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation.&nbsp;

"The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said.

India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities.

The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites".

The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA). Watch: Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these centres which would be digitally monitored. "There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation. "The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said. India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities. The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites". The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin.

Both are two-shot vaccines and both are easy to store and distribute. The vaccines have been approved and administering shots is the next step. As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it - India will be starting the largest vaccination programme in the world.

The task is to vaccinate over 1.3 billion people. However, no timeline has been announced so far but mass vaccination is expected to start soon. Reports claim it can be as early as this week.

Healthcare workers and frontline workers are set to get vaccinated first. They make up the first priority group and they will be administered the vaccine for free. The second group includes persons above the age of 50 and persons with co-morbidities.

The Wuhan virus vaccination is being called India's most ambitious vaccination drive ever. Mock drills have already been held in 125 districts and across all states with at least 96,000 vaccinators trained.

Cold chain infrastructure has been upgraded. India has secured enough shots to vaccinate its priority group. Those eligible for the vaccine in the first phase will be notified through a text message. They will be informed about the health facility they need to go to for the shot. They will also be provided a date and time.

India has kept the vaccination voluntary, however, that's not the government's biggest challenge since as with most things in India, politics is the biggest hurdle.

Despite all the checks, India has not been able to immunise itself from vaccine politics. India's vaccination programme has come under criticism. Most of it has been directed towards the approval of Covaxin - the home-grown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR).

Critics say it has not been vetted properly and was approved prematurely.

The director of India's premier medical institute AIIMS suggested that Covaxin be kept as a backup vaccine. India's opposition leaders have questioned the lack of efficacy data for Covaxin. They also raised questions around the safety of the shot as some called it a "BJP vaccine" tagging it to the ruling party at the Centre in India.

As for the questions about the efficacy &amp; trail data, the managing director of Bharat Biotech Krishna Ella opened Pandora's box. He named a vaccine company and said that it was giving paracetamol to its volunteers suppressing adverse reactions.

He also said that while most vaccine makers have data of around 1,000 volunteers. Bharat Biotech is the only company with data of 25,000 people and that the company has carried out "200 per cent honest clinical trials".

He said that most vaccines will not be effective in the second year. None of the vaccine makers have said if their shots will be effective in case of transmission of the virus. WION has not been able to independently verify any of it.

These are desperate times call for desperate measures. Vaccine makers want to sell their shots, politicians want to play politics over vaccines and governments want to roll out vaccines as soon as possible. Accusations and mudslinging don't help anyone, avoiding transparency however is even worse.

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin.

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin. Both are two-shot vaccines and both are easy to store and distribute. The vaccines have been approved and administering shots is the next step. As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it - India will be starting the largest vaccination programme in the world. The task is to vaccinate over 1.3 billion people. However, no timeline has been announced so far but mass vaccination is expected to start soon. Reports claim it can be as early as this week. Healthcare workers and frontline workers are set to get vaccinated first. They make up the first priority group and they will be administered the vaccine for free. The second group includes persons above the age of 50 and persons with co-morbidities. The Wuhan virus vaccination is being called India's most ambitious vaccination drive ever. Mock drills have already been held in 125 districts and across all states with at least 96,000 vaccinators trained. Cold chain infrastructure has been upgraded. India has secured enough shots to vaccinate its priority group. Those eligible for the vaccine in the first phase will be notified through a text message. They will be informed about the health facility they need to go to for the shot. They will also be provided a date and time. India has kept the vaccination voluntary, however, that's not the government's biggest challenge since as with most things in India, politics is the biggest hurdle. Despite all the checks, India has not been able to immunise itself from vaccine politics. India's vaccination programme has come under criticism. Most of it has been directed towards the approval of Covaxin - the home-grown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR). Critics say it has not been vetted properly and was approved prematurely. The director of India's premier medical institute AIIMS suggested that Covaxin be kept as a backup vaccine. India's opposition leaders have questioned the lack of efficacy data for Covaxin. They also raised questions around the safety of the shot as some called it a "BJP vaccine" tagging it to the ruling party at the Centre in India. As for the questions about the efficacy & trail data, the managing director of Bharat Biotech Krishna Ella opened Pandora's box. He named a vaccine company and said that it was giving paracetamol to its volunteers suppressing adverse reactions. He also said that while most vaccine makers have data of around 1,000 volunteers. Bharat Biotech is the only company with data of 25,000 people and that the company has carried out "200 per cent honest clinical trials". He said that most vaccines will not be effective in the second year. None of the vaccine makers have said if their shots will be effective in case of transmission of the virus. WION has not been able to independently verify any of it. These are desperate times call for desperate measures. Vaccine makers want to sell their shots, politicians want to play politics over vaccines and governments want to roll out vaccines as soon as possible. Accusations and mudslinging don't help anyone, avoiding transparency however is even worse.

Politics overtakes COVID-19 vaccination programme in India

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) expert panel on Saturday recommended approving restricted emergency use of Bharat Biotech's indigenous COVID vaccine Covaxin in India, said officials. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-okays-emergency-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-354050">Also read | Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine</a>

Covaxin has been indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

This is the second Covid-19 vaccine which has been recommended for emergency use approval to DCGI after Serum's locally produced Oxford Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield'

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Saturday again deliberated on the emergency use authorisation (EUA) application of the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm after it submitted additional data, facts and analysis subsequent to Friday’s review meeting, a source said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) expert panel on Saturday recommended approving restricted emergency use of Bharat Biotech's indigenous COVID vaccine Covaxin in India, said officials.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) expert panel on Saturday recommended approving restricted emergency use of Bharat Biotech's indigenous COVID vaccine Covaxin in India, said officials. Also read | Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine Covaxin has been indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This is the second Covid-19 vaccine which has been recommended for emergency use approval to DCGI after Serum's locally produced Oxford Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on Saturday again deliberated on the emergency use authorisation (EUA) application of the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm after it submitted additional data, facts and analysis subsequent to Friday’s review meeting, a source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Expert panel recommends India's indigenously developed Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin for restricted emergency use

A day after India's drug regulator approved COVAXIN for emergency use, various private clinics in Brazil are seeking Bharat Biotech's vaccine to fight against the increasing coronavirus tally.

The Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC) has confirmed on its website that it has signed a&nbsp;memorandum of understanding with the Indian firm to purchase the Indian vaccine after the pharmaceutical company finishes its final stage of clinical trials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-sii-and-bharat-biotechs-covid-19-vaccines-for-restricted-emergency-use-354141">India approves SII and Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use</a>

"We had been looking for solutions for the private market, and the possibility came up of using this Indian vaccine, which is very promising,"&nbsp;ABCVAC president Geraldo Barbosa told local reporters. "It's an additional sale that will not interfere with the quantity of vaccine doses the government has ordered."

This news has come out a few hours after the Indian drug regulator approved two vaccines —&nbsp;Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN — for emergency use in the country.

The order placement, however, depends on the approval by the far-right government, lead by the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and&nbsp;Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa. As of now, the regulator has not approved any vaccine against the new coronavirus.

This decision has been taken by private clinics as Brazil's coronavirus death toll saw an alarming increase. Private clinics and few state governments are now have decided to launch their own vaccinations to be able to protect locals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-dcgi-approves-serum-bharat-biotech-vaccines-for-emergency-use-354148">WATCH|</a>

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ABCVAC also explained that the reason private clinics are looking at other vaccines is to make sure all locals can access vaccines as the ones approved by the Bolsonaro government will first be reserved for high-priority groups, which will include leaders and vulnerable people.

Depending on the approval by&nbsp;Anvisa, the clinics are hoping to start mass inoculation drives by mid-March. On the other hand, Bolsonaro's government has not yet announced a start date for its vaccination campaign but is expected to make an announcement on Monday. Opposition leaders have accused the far-right government of waiting too long to make the announcement. "Neighboring countries have already started their vaccination campaigns. It is urgent we establish a timeframe to do the same. Ignorance must not prevail over science," Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes tweeted.

A day after India's drug regulator approved COVAXIN for emergency use, various private clinics in Brazil are seeking Bharat Biotech's vaccine to fight against the increasing coronavirus tally.

A day after India's drug regulator approved COVAXIN for emergency use, various private clinics in Brazil are seeking Bharat Biotech's vaccine to fight against the increasing coronavirus tally. The Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC) has confirmed on its website that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian firm to purchase the Indian vaccine after the pharmaceutical company finishes its final stage of clinical trials. Also read| India approves SII and Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use "We had been looking for solutions for the private market, and the possibility came up of using this Indian vaccine, which is very promising," ABCVAC president Geraldo Barbosa told local reporters. "It's an additional sale that will not interfere with the quantity of vaccine doses the government has ordered." This news has come out a few hours after the Indian drug regulator approved two vaccines — Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN — for emergency use in the country. The order placement, however, depends on the approval by the far-right government, lead by the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa. As of now, the regulator has not approved any vaccine against the new coronavirus. This decision has been taken by private clinics as Brazil's coronavirus death toll saw an alarming increase. Private clinics and few state governments are now have decided to launch their own vaccinations to be able to protect locals. WATCH| × ABCVAC also explained that the reason private clinics are looking at other vaccines is to make sure all locals can access vaccines as the ones approved by the Bolsonaro government will first be reserved for high-priority groups, which will include leaders and vulnerable people. Depending on the approval by Anvisa, the clinics are hoping to start mass inoculation drives by mid-March. On the other hand, Bolsonaro's government has not yet announced a start date for its vaccination campaign but is expected to make an announcement on Monday. Opposition leaders have accused the far-right government of waiting too long to make the announcement. "Neighboring countries have already started their vaccination campaigns. It is urgent we establish a timeframe to do the same. Ignorance must not prevail over science," Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes tweeted.

Brazil's private clinics seek India's COVAXIN vaccine

Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday asserted how the indigenous vaccine Covaxin, which was recently approved by India's drug regulatory body, will protect people from new variants, including the one which first emerged in the United Kingdom and has been spotted in different parts of the world since then.

Vardhan urged politicians not to “discredit well laid out science-backed protocols” that were employed in the process of vaccine approval.

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Hitting out at many who are questioning the approval process, Vardhan said it is “disgraceful for anyone to politicise such a critical issue.” Vardhan said the following in a tweet - “...don’t try to discredit well laid out science-backed protocols followed for approving #COVID19vaccines. Wake up &amp; realise you are only discrediting yourselves!”&nbsp; 
 
“COVAXIN is more likely to work against newer variants like N501Y Variant (UK variant) &amp; any other that may arise due to antigenic drift as it contains immunogens (epitopes) from other genes in addition to those from Spike protein”, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covid-vaccine-hesitancy-dr-harsh-vardhan-urges-people-not-to-pay-heed-to-rumours-354062" hreflang="en">Covid vaccine hesitancy: Dr Harsh Vardhan urges people not to pay heed to rumours</a> 
 
Covaxin was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava further built on the same sentiment claiming Covaxin is based on an inactivated virus, and hence possesses the ability to target mutated strains of coronavirus. 
 
Earlier, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people&nbsp;not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/coronavirus-vaccine-will-be-available-free-of-cost-in-india-health-minister-dr-harsh-vardhan-353998" hreflang="en">Coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in India: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan</a>

“I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday asserted how the indigenous vaccine Covaxin, which was recently approved by India's drug regulatory body, will protect people from new variants, including the one which first emerged in the United Kingdom and has been spotted in different parts of the world since then.

Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday asserted how the indigenous vaccine Covaxin, which was recently approved by India's drug regulatory body, will protect people from new variants, including the one which first emerged in the United Kingdom and has been spotted in different parts of the world since then. Vardhan urged politicians not to “discredit well laid out science-backed protocols” that were employed in the process of vaccine approval. Hitting out at many who are questioning the approval process, Vardhan said it is “disgraceful for anyone to politicise such a critical issue.” Vardhan said the following in a tweet - “...don’t try to discredit well laid out science-backed protocols followed for approving #COVID19vaccines. Wake up & realise you are only discrediting yourselves!” “COVAXIN is more likely to work against newer variants like N501Y Variant (UK variant) & any other that may arise due to antigenic drift as it contains immunogens (epitopes) from other genes in addition to those from Spike protein”, he added. Also read: Covid vaccine hesitancy: Dr Harsh Vardhan urges people not to pay heed to rumours Covaxin was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava further built on the same sentiment claiming Covaxin is based on an inactivated virus, and hence possesses the ability to target mutated strains of coronavirus. Earlier, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in India: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan “I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Covaxin will protect against new variants of coronavirus: Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

VG Somani, the Drug Controller General of India said on Monday that Covishield and&nbsp;Covaxin are ''safe and provide a robust immune response.''

India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines, Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-sii-and-bharat-biotechs-covid-19-vaccines-for-restricted-emergency-use-354141" hreflang="en">India approves SII and Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use</a>

During an interview, Somani said&nbsp;"We'll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 110 per cent safe."&nbsp;

The country&nbsp;is now expected to start a massive immunisation programme within weeks.

Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) chief VG Somani said both firms submitted data on their trial runs and both have been granted permission for "restricted use".

"Safety immunogenicity data submitted by SII found efficacy was 70.42 per cent. Restricted use in emergency conditions allowed. The clinical trials will continue. Covaxin has been developed in collaboration with ICMR and NIV," he said in a press briefing on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the approval a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight and congratulated&nbsp;scientists and&nbsp;innovators.

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A decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight! 
 
DCGI granting approval to vaccines of <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> accelerates the road to a healthier and COVID-free nation. 
 
Congratulations India. 
 
Congratulations to our hardworking scientists and innovators.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1345607618191007747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He said, "The DCGI granting approval to vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech accelerates the road to COVID-free nation."

VG Somani, the Drug Controller General of India said on Monday that Covishield and Covaxin are ''safe and provide a robust immune response.'' India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines, Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

VG Somani, the Drug Controller General of India said on Monday that Covishield and Covaxin are ''safe and provide a robust immune response.'' India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines, Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Also read: India approves SII and Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use During an interview, Somani said "We'll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 110 per cent safe." The country is now expected to start a massive immunisation programme within weeks. Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) chief VG Somani said both firms submitted data on their trial runs and both have been granted permission for "restricted use". "Safety immunogenicity data submitted by SII found efficacy was 70.42 per cent. Restricted use in emergency conditions allowed. The clinical trials will continue. Covaxin has been developed in collaboration with ICMR and NIV," he said in a press briefing on Sunday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the approval a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight and congratulated scientists and innovators. A decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight! DCGI granting approval to vaccines of @SerumInstIndia and @BharatBiotech accelerates the road to a healthier and COVID-free nation. Congratulations India. Congratulations to our hardworking scientists and innovators. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2021 × He said, "The DCGI granting approval to vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech accelerates the road to COVID-free nation."

Covishield, Covaxin are safe and provide robust immune response, says Drug Controller General of India VG Somani

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the Serum Institute's coronavirus vaccine 'Covishield' and Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin', making them India's first vaccines against the pandemic.

India: DCGI approves Serum & Bharat Biotech vaccines for emergency use

Covaxin, India's first indigenously developed vaccine has been given the nod by the subject expert committee. This is not a formal approval by the regulator in India but a nod by the subject expert committee developed by biotech & the Indian council of medical research.

India's first indigenous vaccine gets expert panel's nod

The Indian vaccine against COVID-19 Covaxin is drawing some global attention. ICMR shares Covaxin Phase-2 trial results in which they mention that 'data generated within India underlines impressive safety'.

Covaxin phase-3 trial will begin as second trial has successful results

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done.

Bharat Biotech has signed up 13,000 volunteers for the Phase 3 trial, backed by India's government medical research body, and is progressing towards its goal of 26,000, the company said. The trial began in mid-November at multiple sites across India.

With this, Covaxin is on track to continue its progress towards achieving the goal for Phase-3 clinical trials across multiple sites in India.

The indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV), it added.

"Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated 2 dose SARS-CoV2 vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses," Bharat Biotech said.

According to the company, the vaccine is developed and manufactured at Bharat Biotech's BSL-3, biocontainment facility.

The company has successfully recruited 13,000 volunteers for the Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine and the target is to have 26,000 participants, as per the statement.

"This is an unprecedented vaccine trial ever to take place in India, and we are overwhelmed with the steady rise in participation, "Bharat Biotech Joint MD Suchitra Ella said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done.

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done. Bharat Biotech has signed up 13,000 volunteers for the Phase 3 trial, backed by India's government medical research body, and is progressing towards its goal of 26,000, the company said. The trial began in mid-November at multiple sites across India. With this, Covaxin is on track to continue its progress towards achieving the goal for Phase-3 clinical trials across multiple sites in India. The indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV), it added. "Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated 2 dose SARS-CoV2 vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses," Bharat Biotech said. According to the company, the vaccine is developed and manufactured at Bharat Biotech's BSL-3, biocontainment facility. The company has successfully recruited 13,000 volunteers for the Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine and the target is to have 26,000 participants, as per the statement. "This is an unprecedented vaccine trial ever to take place in India, and we are overwhelmed with the steady rise in participation, "Bharat Biotech Joint MD Suchitra Ella said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech recruits 13,000 volunteers for Phase III trials of Covaxin

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?

Indian Pharmaceuticals firm Bharat Biotech is seeking emergency authorisation of its Coronavirus vaccine 'Covaxin'. This comes after Pfizer & Serum institute producing AstraZeneca vaccine have applied for the emergency use authorisation from DGCI.

India: Bharat Biotech latest to seek emergency use authorisation

The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Monday for granting emergency use authorisation for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, becoming the third company after American pharma giant Pfizer and Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) to seek emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. 
 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-natural-immunity-from-covid-better-than-a-vaccine-347985">Is ‘natural immunity’ from COVID better than a vaccine?</a>

In its application for emergency use approval, Hyderabad-headquartered Bharat Biotech has included interim data from early- to mid-stage human trials of its vaccine candidate Covaxin. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-applies-for-emergency-use-authorisation-for-oxford-vaccine-348006">Also read: Serum Institute of India applies for emergency use authorisation for Oxford vaccine</a> 
 
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had on October 23 granted permission to the firm for conducting a phase-3 clinical trial of Covaxin after assessing the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 1 and 2 trials. 
 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-sinovac-secures-515-million-to-boost-covid-vaccine-production-347999">China's Sinovac secures $515 million to boost covid vaccine production</a>&nbsp;

An expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will meet on Wednesday to review applications of Pfizer, Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech seeking emergency use authorisation for their COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

At an all-party meeting on December 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed hope that a COVID-19 vaccine may be ready in a few weeks. That evening, the Indian arm of US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer had sought approval for its vaccine from the central drug regulator, after the firm secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain.

The Serum Institute sought the nod for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, on December 6.

"DCGI has already started processing the applications. The subject expert committee on COVID-19 at CDSCO will deliberate on the applications by Pfizer, Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech seeking emergency use authorisation for their COVID-19 vaccines on December 9," a source said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Monday for granting emergency use authorisation for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, becoming the third company after American pharma giant Pfizer and Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) to seek emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Monday for granting emergency use authorisation for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, becoming the third company after American pharma giant Pfizer and Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) to seek emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. Also read | Is ‘natural immunity’ from COVID better than a vaccine? In its application for emergency use approval, Hyderabad-headquartered Bharat Biotech has included interim data from early- to mid-stage human trials of its vaccine candidate Covaxin. Also read: Serum Institute of India applies for emergency use authorisation for Oxford vaccine The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had on October 23 granted permission to the firm for conducting a phase-3 clinical trial of Covaxin after assessing the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 1 and 2 trials. Also read | China's Sinovac secures $515 million to boost covid vaccine production An expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will meet on Wednesday to review applications of Pfizer, Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech seeking emergency use authorisation for their COVID-19 vaccine candidates. At an all-party meeting on December 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed hope that a COVID-19 vaccine may be ready in a few weeks. That evening, the Indian arm of US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer had sought approval for its vaccine from the central drug regulator, after the firm secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain. The Serum Institute sought the nod for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, on December 6. "DCGI has already started processing the applications. The subject expert committee on COVID-19 at CDSCO will deliberate on the applications by Pfizer, Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech seeking emergency use authorisation for their COVID-19 vaccines on December 9," a source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech seeks emergency use authorisation for Indian Covid-19 vaccine; expert panel to review

The SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre here on Monday announced the launch of the third phase of human trials for Covaxin - a vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Bharat Biotech. 
 
In a statement issued here, the SRM Medical College Hospital said the vaccine in the third phase will be tested on about 1,000-1,500 volunteers. 
 
During the first phase, the vaccine was tested on 30 volunteers, and in the second phase, on over 150 persons and their health is being monitored, it added. 
&nbsp;

The SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre here on Monday announced the launch of the third phase of human trials for Covaxin - a vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Bharat Biotech.

The SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre here on Monday announced the launch of the third phase of human trials for Covaxin - a vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Bharat Biotech. In a statement issued here, the SRM Medical College Hospital said the vaccine in the third phase will be tested on about 1,000-1,500 volunteers. During the first phase, the vaccine was tested on 30 volunteers, and in the second phase, on over 150 persons and their health is being monitored, it added.

Phase 3 human trial for Covaxin starts in Chennai

The&nbsp;Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> after taking a trial shot of&nbsp;Bharat Biotech's Covaxin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>.

"I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona," he posted on Twitter.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-36652-new-coronavirus-cases-death-toll-stands-at-139700-347634" hreflang="en">India adds 36,652 new coronavirus cases; death toll stands at 139,700</a>

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I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona.
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilvijminister/status/1335093819654619137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Anil Vij, a&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, had taken a trial shot of India's COVID-19 vaccine's third phase of trial in Haryana on November 20. "I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of &nbsp;Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose," he had announced through Twitter.

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I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covaxin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covaxin</a> a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose.
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilvijminister/status/1329393082614202369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A few weeks later when the minister was in Chandigarh, he reported fatigue and decided to get himself tested. "He got tested himself today morning and the result is positive. The staff will be tested today itself," his team had reported.

The news of him testing positive after administering a trial dose has raised questions about Bharat Biotech's vaccine's effectiveness.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citing-tech-issues-un-covid-19-summit-nixes-adar-poonawalla-video-347619" hreflang="en">Citing tech issues, UN Covid-19 summit nixes Adar Poonawalla video</a>

Indian pharmaceutical company has also released a statement after Anil Vij tested positive. "Covaxin clinical trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 14 days post the 2nd dose. Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious when subjects receive both doses," the company said. "The phase-3 trials are double-blinded and randomized, where 50% of subjects (participants in the trial) receive vaccine &amp; 50% of subjects receive placebo."

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COVAXINᵀᴹ trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. <a href="https://t.co/ZKmGuKbBMf">pic.twitter.com/ZKmGuKbBMf</a>
— BharatBiotech (@BharatBiotech) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech/status/1335170865646850048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bharat Biotech had started phase 3 trial of the vaccine only after successfully completing the trial of the first two phases. The pharmaceutical company has engaged with nearly 26,000 volunteers for this vaccine's third phase trial in India — making it the largest ever such trial in India.

The Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after taking a trial shot of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine. "I have been tested Corona positive.

The Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after taking a trial shot of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine. "I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona," he posted on Twitter. Also read| India adds 36,652 new coronavirus cases; death toll stands at 139,700 I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona. — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) December 5, 2020 × Anil Vij, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, had taken a trial shot of India's COVID-19 vaccine's third phase of trial in Haryana on November 20. "I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose," he had announced through Twitter. I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose. — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) November 19, 2020 × A few weeks later when the minister was in Chandigarh, he reported fatigue and decided to get himself tested. "He got tested himself today morning and the result is positive. The staff will be tested today itself," his team had reported. The news of him testing positive after administering a trial dose has raised questions about Bharat Biotech's vaccine's effectiveness. Also read| Citing tech issues, UN Covid-19 summit nixes Adar Poonawalla video Indian pharmaceutical company has also released a statement after Anil Vij tested positive. "Covaxin clinical trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 14 days post the 2nd dose. Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious when subjects receive both doses," the company said. "The phase-3 trials are double-blinded and randomized, where 50% of subjects (participants in the trial) receive vaccine & 50% of subjects receive placebo." COVAXINᵀᴹ trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. pic.twitter.com/ZKmGuKbBMf — BharatBiotech (@BharatBiotech) December 5, 2020 × Bharat Biotech had started phase 3 trial of the vaccine only after successfully completing the trial of the first two phases. The pharmaceutical company has engaged with nearly 26,000 volunteers for this vaccine's third phase trial in India — making it the largest ever such trial in India.

Haryana minister Anil Vij tests positive for COVID-19 after trial Covaxin shot

India has said that the final trails of indigenous vaccine could end in another 2 months. Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian ICMR, has received approvals from DCGI's. Expert Committee has given the approval of the final and Phase III clinical trials.

India plans to vaccinate over 200 million people by July 2021

Indian officials have said they expect to rely on COVAXIN and four other locally-tested candidates to control COVID-19.

India's COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN's final trials could end in 2 months

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-vaccine-news-injects-trillions-in-stock-markets-worldwide-344414"> vaccine</a> that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-vaccine-breakthrough-social-distancing-and-wearing-masks-may-remain-344420">Also Read:&nbsp;Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain</a>

The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021.

"The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters.

Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rush-to-get-vaccine-us-canada-and-eu-pre-book-huge-order-344415">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order</a>

Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-eyes-substantial-vaccination-in-first-half-2021-contagion-slows-344424">vaccine</a> was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too.

"We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad.

Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday. Also Read: Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021. "The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters. Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said. Also Read: Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too. "We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

Bharat Biotech offers Brazil potential coronavirus vaccine

India is fast-tracking its homegrown vaccine for Covid-19. Government scientists say it could be rolled out as early as February 2021.

Covaxin is India’s big bet against covid-19, it is being developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR. A fully indigenous project.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-india-to-get-a-vaccine-in-february-340941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As last-stage trials begin this month and studies have so far shown it is safe and effective, a senior government scientist said.

“The vaccine has shown good efficacy,” senior ICMR scientist Rajni Kant, who is also a member of its Covid-19 task-force, said at the research body’s New Delhi headquarters on Thursday.

“It is expected that by the beginning of next year, February or March, something would be available.”

A launch in February would make COVAXIN the first India-made vaccine to be rolled out.

India’s cases of coronavirus infections rose by 50,201 cases on Thursday to 8.36 million, second only to the United States. Deaths rose by 704, with the total now at 124,315. The daily rise in infections and deaths has slowed since a peak in mid-September.

Until now — India's hopes were pinned on Britain's AstraZeneca, but work on the vaccine is taking longer than expected. Reports say — deliveries will run late, this means India will have to look elsewhere. A homegrown jab looks like the best bet.

India is not alone in doing this, Australia is set to buy 135 million doses of various vaccines.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he does not want to put all his eggs in the same basket.

India's Wuhan Virus outbreak is tapering off, since mid-September — daily cases have plunged significantly. But as we've seen in Europe and the US — a second wave is always a possibility.

Covaxin could be crucial in holding off new infections.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is fast-tracking its homegrown vaccine for Covid-19. Government scientists say it could be rolled out as early as February 2021. Covaxin is India’s big bet against covid-19, it is being developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR.

India is fast-tracking its homegrown vaccine for Covid-19. Government scientists say it could be rolled out as early as February 2021. Covaxin is India’s big bet against covid-19, it is being developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR. A fully indigenous project. Watch | As last-stage trials begin this month and studies have so far shown it is safe and effective, a senior government scientist said. “The vaccine has shown good efficacy,” senior ICMR scientist Rajni Kant, who is also a member of its Covid-19 task-force, said at the research body’s New Delhi headquarters on Thursday. “It is expected that by the beginning of next year, February or March, something would be available.” A launch in February would make COVAXIN the first India-made vaccine to be rolled out. India’s cases of coronavirus infections rose by 50,201 cases on Thursday to 8.36 million, second only to the United States. Deaths rose by 704, with the total now at 124,315. The daily rise in infections and deaths has slowed since a peak in mid-September. Until now — India's hopes were pinned on Britain's AstraZeneca, but work on the vaccine is taking longer than expected. Reports say — deliveries will run late, this means India will have to look elsewhere. A homegrown jab looks like the best bet. India is not alone in doing this, Australia is set to buy 135 million doses of various vaccines. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he does not want to put all his eggs in the same basket. India's Wuhan Virus outbreak is tapering off, since mid-September — daily cases have plunged significantly. But as we've seen in Europe and the US — a second wave is always a possibility. Covaxin could be crucial in holding off new infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Covaxin could be available as early as February, says ICMR scientist

Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has received approvals from India’s drug control authority, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI's) Expert Committee for the initiation of the final and Phase III clinical trials.

The expert committee met on October 20 to give its nod to Phase III trials and suggested some 'minor amendments' in the protocol.

"In continuation of the SEC meeting dated 05.10.2020, the firm presented their data from Phase I and II along with animal challenge data in two species including NHP on the Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine (BBV152) along with the proposal to conduct event-driven Phase III clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the vaccine," the expert panel said in a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier in September, Bharat Biotech had informed that Covaxin had proved to be effective in inducing immunity against COVID-19 in animals. The firm had stated that the two-dose vaccination regimen of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates was administered in 20 rhesus macaques which were divided into four groups equally.

Bharat Biotech, along with Zydus Cadila and Serum Institute of India, which is conducting clinical trials on Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine, are some of the frontrunners in Covid-19 vaccine development in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has received approvals from India’s drug control authority, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI's) Expert Committee for the initiation of the final and Phase III clinical trials.

Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has received approvals from India’s drug control authority, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI's) Expert Committee for the initiation of the final and Phase III clinical trials. The expert committee met on October 20 to give its nod to Phase III trials and suggested some 'minor amendments' in the protocol. "In continuation of the SEC meeting dated 05.10.2020, the firm presented their data from Phase I and II along with animal challenge data in two species including NHP on the Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine (BBV152) along with the proposal to conduct event-driven Phase III clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the vaccine," the expert panel said in a statement on Tuesday. Earlier in September, Bharat Biotech had informed that Covaxin had proved to be effective in inducing immunity against COVID-19 in animals. The firm had stated that the two-dose vaccination regimen of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates was administered in 20 rhesus macaques which were divided into four groups equally. Bharat Biotech, along with Zydus Cadila and Serum Institute of India, which is conducting clinical trials on Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine, are some of the frontrunners in Covid-19 vaccine development in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin receives approval for Phase III trials: Reports

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