Reacting on the pricing of two coronavirus vaccine candidates Pfizer and Moderna that has recently shown encouraging results from their human trials, Russia's Sputnik V has said that its prices would be "much lower".

Sputnik V is what Russia claims to be the world's first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, but experts have not yet given nod to the drug.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-shows-70-efficacy-can-be-90-effective-trial-data-reveals-344807">Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows 70% efficacy; can be 90% effective, trial data reveals</a>

It was reacting to a report that quoted Moderna CEO on the price of the vaccine, suggesting that the actual prices of Moderna and Pfizer's vaccine would be much higher and its own drug will be very cheap.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/covid-vaccine-could-reach-first-americans-by-december-11-top-health-official-344800">Covid vaccine could reach first Americans by December 11: Top health official</a>

"Translating pharma lingo: the announced price of Pfizer of $19.50 and Moderna of $25-$37 per dose actually means their price of $39 and $50-$74 per person. Two doses are required per person for the Pfizer, Sputnik V and Moderna vaccines. The price of Sputnik V will be much lower," the Russian vaccine said.&nbsp;

About two weeks ago, Sputnik V's developers claimed that the initial trial results have found the vaccine to be 92 per cent effective.&nbsp;

"The Sputnik V vaccine had an efficacy rate of 92 per cent after the second dose," the statement by Russia's health ministry, the state-run Gamaleya research centre and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said. &nbsp;

Presently, the third and final phase trials of the potential Covid-19 vaccine is undergoing in 29 medical centres across the world in which 42,000 volunteers have participated.

 
&nbsp;

Reacting on the pricing of two coronavirus vaccine candidates Pfizer and Moderna that has recently shown encouraging results from their human trials, Russia's Sputnik V has said that its prices would be "much lower".

Reacting on the pricing of two coronavirus vaccine candidates Pfizer and Moderna that has recently shown encouraging results from their human trials, Russia's Sputnik V has said that its prices would be "much lower". Sputnik V is what Russia claims to be the world's first coronavirus vaccine, but experts have not yet given nod to the drug. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows 70% efficacy; can be 90% effective, trial data reveals It was reacting to a report that quoted Moderna CEO on the price of the vaccine, suggesting that the actual prices of Moderna and Pfizer's vaccine would be much higher and its own drug will be very cheap. Also read | Covid vaccine could reach first Americans by December 11: Top health official "Translating pharma lingo: the announced price of Pfizer of $19.50 and Moderna of $25-$37 per dose actually means their price of $39 and $50-$74 per person. Two doses are required per person for the Pfizer, Sputnik V and Moderna vaccines. The price of Sputnik V will be much lower," the Russian vaccine said. About two weeks ago, Sputnik V's developers claimed that the initial trial results have found the vaccine to be 92 per cent effective. "The Sputnik V vaccine had an efficacy rate of 92 per cent after the second dose," the statement by Russia's health ministry, the state-run Gamaleya research centre and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said. Presently, the third and final phase trials of the potential Covid-19 vaccine is undergoing in 29 medical centres across the world in which 42,000 volunteers have participated.

Sputnik V takes a jibe at Pfizer, Moderna Covid-19 vaccine prices, claims own drug much cheaper

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold virtual meetings with chief ministers and other representatives of states and union territories on Tuesday to review the COVID-19 situation and discuss vaccine distribution strategy.

Modi is expected to hold two back to back meetings, one with eight states with high caseloads and another with states and UTs to discuss vaccine distribution strategy, sources said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-exceeding-paris-climate-targets-pm-narendra-modi-at-g20-climate-event-344725">India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event</a>

The prime minister, till now, has held several virtual meetings with states over the coronavirus situation.

While the national daily COVID-19 case count has remained below 50,000 for some time, several urban centres have witnessed a surge, resulting in enforcement of several measures, including curfews in some cities.

The central government has also been putting in place measures for quick and effective distribution of coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.

Five vaccine candidates are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which four are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II trials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold virtual meetings with chief ministers and other representatives of states and union territories on Tuesday to review the COVID-19 situation and discuss vaccine distribution strategy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold virtual meetings with chief ministers and other representatives of states and union territories on Tuesday to review the COVID-19 situation and discuss vaccine distribution strategy. Modi is expected to hold two back to back meetings, one with eight states with high caseloads and another with states and UTs to discuss vaccine distribution strategy, sources said. Also read | India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event The prime minister, till now, has held several virtual meetings with states over the coronavirus situation. While the national daily COVID-19 case count has remained below 50,000 for some time, several urban centres have witnessed a surge, resulting in enforcement of several measures, including curfews in some cities. The central government has also been putting in place measures for quick and effective distribution of coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available. Five vaccine candidates are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which four are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II trials

PM Modi likely to hold virtual meetings with states over Covid-19 situation, vaccine distribution plan

“Our vaccine, therefore, costs about the same as a flu shot, which is between $10 and $50,” he was quoted as saying.

Moderna to charge $25-$37 for COVID-19 vaccine, says CEO

India's pharmaceutical company&nbsp;Bharat Biotech International Ltd has now, months later, revealed that during Phase 1 of the human trial of COVID-19 vaccine, the company had an adverse event.

In August 2020, a patient who was given the vaccine was hospitalised after receiving the dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. However, the company and the doctors involved made sure the issue was not made public, so as to not let the public panic. The decision was taken by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and its head Drug Controller General of India V.G. Somani.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-emergency-use-authorisation-to-regeneron-covid-19-antibodies-344588">US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies</a>

“The adverse event during phase I clinical trials during August 2020 was reported to the CDSCO-DCGI within 24 hours of its occurrence and confirmation. The adverse event was investigated thoroughly and determined as not vaccine related," the company said in a statement.

As per local reports, the patient who was hospitalised is a 35-year-old volunteer from Western India, with no co-morbidities. He was admitted for treatment of&nbsp;viral pneumonitis, and was discharged within a week. It was made clear that the patient was not admitted due to the side effects of the vaccine. However, "all treatment costs for the subject was fully paid for by the sponsor, and the subject is safe," Bharat Biotech said.

The company also claimed that it got approval for the next two phases of trials only after going through a detailed investigation about this adverse event. the company has now started the third and final phase of human trials for Covaxin which will be conducted on nearly 26,000 participants which can cost the company approximately Rs. 250 crore.

The other coronavirus vaccines being developed by&nbsp;AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson had temporarily paused their trials after similar events had taken place during their trials.

India's pharmaceutical company Bharat Biotech International Ltd has now, months later, revealed that during Phase 1 of the human trial of COVID-19 vaccine, the company had an adverse event.

India's pharmaceutical company Bharat Biotech International Ltd has now, months later, revealed that during Phase 1 of the human trial of COVID-19 vaccine, the company had an adverse event. In August 2020, a patient who was given the vaccine was hospitalised after receiving the dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. However, the company and the doctors involved made sure the issue was not made public, so as to not let the public panic. The decision was taken by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and its head Drug Controller General of India V.G. Somani. Also read| US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies “The adverse event during phase I clinical trials during August 2020 was reported to the CDSCO-DCGI within 24 hours of its occurrence and confirmation. The adverse event was investigated thoroughly and determined as not vaccine related," the company said in a statement. As per local reports, the patient who was hospitalised is a 35-year-old volunteer from Western India, with no co-morbidities. He was admitted for treatment of viral pneumonitis, and was discharged within a week. It was made clear that the patient was not admitted due to the side effects of the vaccine. However, "all treatment costs for the subject was fully paid for by the sponsor, and the subject is safe," Bharat Biotech said. The company also claimed that it got approval for the next two phases of trials only after going through a detailed investigation about this adverse event. the company has now started the third and final phase of human trials for Covaxin which will be conducted on nearly 26,000 participants which can cost the company approximately Rs. 250 crore. The other coronavirus vaccines being developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson had temporarily paused their trials after similar events had taken place during their trials.

Bharat Biotech reveals adverse event during Phase 1 trial of COVID-19 vaccine

A substantial part of the Spanish population will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday, highlighting also a steadily slowing pace of contagion after restrictions imposed in recent weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-vaccine-breakthrough-social-distancing-and-wearing-masks-may-remain-344420" hreflang="en">Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain</a>

The government has set aside over 1 billion euros for coronavirus vaccines next year and created a committee to establish who comes first.

Sanchez told a news conference the government would unveil a vaccination plan on Tuesday, without elaborating.

Promising data from Phase III trials of potential vaccines by Pfizer&nbsp;and BioNTech, Moderna&nbsp;and others has recently boosted hopes that vaccines against the pandemic disease may be ready for use soon.

Officials have said Spain hoped to get the first 20 million vaccine doses from Pfizer in early 2021. There is also a plan to buy 31.6 million doses of the vaccine being developed by Britain's AstraZeneca&nbsp;between December and June, if it is ready.

The vaccination would be free, according to Health Minister Salvador Illa.

Spain's death toll from the coronavirus rose by 328 to 42,619 on Friday, while cumulative cases rose by more than 15,000 to 1,556,730.

RESTRICTIONS

Spain, which has western Europe's second highest tally of infections after France, imposed a six-month state of emergency at the end of October, giving regions legal backing to impose curfews and restrict travel.

Sanchez said that path had proven to be adequate.

"For two consecutive weeks, we have seen new infections falling at a sustained pace," he said.

New infections measured over the past 14 days have fallen to 436 per 100,000 people from 530 in the first week of November, he said.

But there are no signs yet of restrictions being lifted.

The government of the Madrid region, one of Spain's worst-hit, said on Friday it would prevent people from leaving and entering for 10 days from Dec. 4 to avoid mass travel around the Dec. 6 Constitution Day holiday.

"We want to be in the best possible condition by Christmas," said Antonio Zapatero, head of Madrid's COVID-19 response.

New infections in Madrid have already fallen to less than 300 per 100,000 people from a peak of 800 in late September.

A substantial part of the Spanish population will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday, highlighting also a steadily slowing pace of contagion after restrictions imposed in recent weeks.

A substantial part of the Spanish population will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday, highlighting also a steadily slowing pace of contagion after restrictions imposed in recent weeks. Also read: Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain The government has set aside over 1 billion euros for coronavirus vaccines next year and created a committee to establish who comes first. Sanchez told a news conference the government would unveil a vaccination plan on Tuesday, without elaborating. Promising data from Phase III trials of potential vaccines by Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna and others has recently boosted hopes that vaccines against the pandemic disease may be ready for use soon. Officials have said Spain hoped to get the first 20 million vaccine doses from Pfizer in early 2021. There is also a plan to buy 31.6 million doses of the vaccine being developed by Britain's AstraZeneca between December and June, if it is ready. The vaccination would be free, according to Health Minister Salvador Illa. Spain's death toll from the coronavirus rose by 328 to 42,619 on Friday, while cumulative cases rose by more than 15,000 to 1,556,730. RESTRICTIONS Spain, which has western Europe's second highest tally of infections after France, imposed a six-month state of emergency at the end of October, giving regions legal backing to impose curfews and restrict travel. Sanchez said that path had proven to be adequate. "For two consecutive weeks, we have seen new infections falling at a sustained pace," he said. New infections measured over the past 14 days have fallen to 436 per 100,000 people from 530 in the first week of November, he said. But there are no signs yet of restrictions being lifted. The government of the Madrid region, one of Spain's worst-hit, said on Friday it would prevent people from leaving and entering for 10 days from Dec. 4 to avoid mass travel around the Dec. 6 Constitution Day holiday. "We want to be in the best possible condition by Christmas," said Antonio Zapatero, head of Madrid's COVID-19 response. New infections in Madrid have already fallen to less than 300 per 100,000 people from a peak of 800 in late September.

Spain eyes 'substantial' vaccination in first half 2021, contagion slows

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday.

According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366.

The death toll has mounted to 1,32,162 with 584 new deaths.

Total active cases are now at 4,43,794 after an increase of 491 in the last 24 hours while total discharged cases is 84,28,410 with 44,807 new discharges in the same period. 
 
Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public, and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public.

(With inputs from agencies)

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday. According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366.

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday. According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366. The death toll has mounted to 1,32,162 with 584 new deaths. Total active cases are now at 4,43,794 after an increase of 491 in the last 24 hours while total discharged cases is 84,28,410 with 44,807 new discharges in the same period. Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public, and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 cases top 90 lakh; active cases at 4.43 lakh

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-three-indian-companies-are-ready-to-produce-covid-19-vaccine-342884">Also read: These three Indian companies are ready to produce Covid-19 vaccine</a> 
 
Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confident-that-covid-19-vaccine-will-be-ready-in-3-4-months-indias-health-minister-344051">Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister</a>

Serum Institute of India's CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public, depending on the final trial results and regulatory approvals.

Probably by 2024, every Indian will get vaccinated, he said at a media event.

"It will probably take two or three years for every Indian to get inoculated, not just because of the supply constraints but because you need the budget, the vaccine, logistics, infrastructure and then, people should be willing to take the vaccine. So these are the factors that lead up to being able to vaccinate 80-90 per cent of the population.

"It will be 2024 for everybody, if willing to take a two-dose vaccine, to be vaccinated," Mr Poonawalla said.

Asked at what price the public will get it, he said it will be around USD 5-6 per dose with an MRP of around ₹ 1,000 for the two necessary doses.

"The government of India will be getting it at a far cheaper price at around USD 3-4, because it will be buying in a large volume and get access to the price that is similar to what COVAX has got. We are still pricing it far cheaper and more affordable than other vaccines we have in the market today," Mr Poonawalla said.

Asked about the efficacy of the vaccine, he said the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is so far proving to work very well even in elderly people, which was a concern earlier.

"It has induced a good T-cell response, which is an indicator for your long-term immunity and antibody response but then again, time will only tell if these vaccines are going to protect you in the long term. Nobody can answer that for any of the vaccines today," Mr Poonawalla said.

Responding to a question on the safety aspect, he said there has been no major complaints, reactions or adverse events, adding, "We would need to wait and see. The efficacy and immunogenicity results from the Indian trials will come out in about a month-and-a-half."

(With inputs from agencies)

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. Also read: These three Indian companies are ready to produce Covid-19 vaccine Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted.

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. Also read: These three Indian companies are ready to produce Covid-19 vaccine Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted. Also read | Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister Serum Institute of India's CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public, depending on the final trial results and regulatory approvals. Probably by 2024, every Indian will get vaccinated, he said at a media event. "It will probably take two or three years for every Indian to get inoculated, not just because of the supply constraints but because you need the budget, the vaccine, logistics, infrastructure and then, people should be willing to take the vaccine. So these are the factors that lead up to being able to vaccinate 80-90 per cent of the population. "It will be 2024 for everybody, if willing to take a two-dose vaccine, to be vaccinated," Mr Poonawalla said. Asked at what price the public will get it, he said it will be around USD 5-6 per dose with an MRP of around ₹ 1,000 for the two necessary doses. "The government of India will be getting it at a far cheaper price at around USD 3-4, because it will be buying in a large volume and get access to the price that is similar to what COVAX has got. We are still pricing it far cheaper and more affordable than other vaccines we have in the market today," Mr Poonawalla said. Asked about the efficacy of the vaccine, he said the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is so far proving to work very well even in elderly people, which was a concern earlier. "It has induced a good T-cell response, which is an indicator for your long-term immunity and antibody response but then again, time will only tell if these vaccines are going to protect you in the long term. Nobody can answer that for any of the vaccines today," Mr Poonawalla said. Responding to a question on the safety aspect, he said there has been no major complaints, reactions or adverse events, adding, "We would need to wait and see. The efficacy and immunogenicity results from the Indian trials will come out in about a month-and-a-half." (With inputs from agencies)

Oxford COVID-19 vaccine to be available for Indians by April 2021: Serum Institute Chief 

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech confirmed&nbsp;on Friday they&nbsp;have&nbsp;applied to US&nbsp;health regulators for emergency use authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine,&nbsp;becoming the first to do so in the US as the pandemic rages around the world.

The application to the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comes just days after Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effective in preventing COVID-19 with no major safety concerns.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-vaccine-tracker-344193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pfizer's shares rose 2 per cent&nbsp;and BioNTech climbed 5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;on the news that a vaccine could soon be available, raising hopes for the end of a pandemic that has claimed more than a quarter of a million lives in the United States and over 1.3 million worldwide.

The companies expect the FDA to grant the EUA by mid-December and said they begin shipping doses almost immediately. Pfizer has said it expects to have 50 million vaccine doses ready this year, enough to protect 25 million people.

The vaccine has been under evaluation for weeks in the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom, the companies said.

The Food and Drug Administration has not said how long it will take to study the vaccine data, but the government expects to give the green light for the vaccine in the first two weeks of December.

The European Union could also move quickly on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, perhaps as soon as the second half of December, according to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Hot on the heels of these companies is a vaccine developed by another biotech firm, Moderna, which says its product is also about 95 percent effective.

The speed with which these vaccines have been developed as the pandemic wreaks havoc around the world has no precedent. Over the past decade, the vaccines authorized in the US have taken an average of eight years to develop.

The US government says it plans to vaccinate more than 20 million people in December, and then another 25-30 million per month.

The final trial data showed the vaccine provided a similar level of protection across different ages and ethnicities,&nbsp;an encouraging result as the disease disproportionately hurts the elderly and minorities.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech confirmed on Friday they have applied to US health regulators for emergency use authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine, becoming the first to do so in the US as the pandemic rages around the world.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech confirmed on Friday they have applied to US health regulators for emergency use authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine, becoming the first to do so in the US as the pandemic rages around the world. The application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comes just days after Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 with no major safety concerns. Pfizer's shares rose 2 per cent and BioNTech climbed 5 per cent on the news that a vaccine could soon be available, raising hopes for the end of a pandemic that has claimed more than a quarter of a million lives in the United States and over 1.3 million worldwide. The companies expect the FDA to grant the EUA by mid-December and said they begin shipping doses almost immediately. Pfizer has said it expects to have 50 million vaccine doses ready this year, enough to protect 25 million people. The vaccine has been under evaluation for weeks in the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom, the companies said. The Food and Drug Administration has not said how long it will take to study the vaccine data, but the government expects to give the green light for the vaccine in the first two weeks of December. The European Union could also move quickly on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, perhaps as soon as the second half of December, according to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Hot on the heels of these companies is a vaccine developed by another biotech firm, Moderna, which says its product is also about 95 percent effective. The speed with which these vaccines have been developed as the pandemic wreaks havoc around the world has no precedent. Over the past decade, the vaccines authorized in the US have taken an average of eight years to develop. The US government says it plans to vaccinate more than 20 million people in December, and then another 25-30 million per month. The final trial data showed the vaccine provided a similar level of protection across different ages and ethnicities, an encouraging result as the disease disproportionately hurts the elderly and minorities.

Pfizer, BioNTech apply for emergency use of coronavirus vaccine in US

India's wait for COVID-19 vaccine is soon to be over. The Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has announced that India is set to get the much waited COVID-19 vaccine early next year.

India will get COVID-19 vaccine by early 2021: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said he was confident that the COVID-19 vaccine would be ready in the next three-four months and added that the priority to provide the same to 135 crore Indians would be based on scientific evaluation.

The Minister was addressing the FICCI FLO webinar on ''The Shifting Healthcare Paradigm During and Post-Covid'' today.

"I am confident that the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready in the next three-four months. Priority for the vaccine will be designed on the basis of scientific data. Health care workers and corona warriors will naturally be prioritised followed by elderly and disease-prone people. Very detailed planning is underway for vaccine dissemination. An e-vaccine intelligence platform has been created to discuss the blueprint for the same. Tracking and tracing of the vaccine would be neck-deep once it's available for the public. Hopefully, 2021 should be a better year for all of us," the Health Minister said.

Praising the efforts of the Central government, the Minister said some ''very bold steps'' were taken to fight the pandemic in the last few months.

"Janta curfew was a very innovative and unique experiment by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It had nationwide participation from the citizens. The decision to impose a lockdown followed by unlocking were some bold decisions by the central government during the pandemic. We have handled it very well," the Minister said.

"The government has been very proactive in its response towards this fight. Airports, seaports and land borders were put under surveillance for COVID-19 well in time," he added.

Giving an account of the journey of the last 11 months, the Minister said India was amongst the top countries to control the impact of the pathogen in a short duration.

"Initially we faced a shortage of PPE kits, ventilators and N-95 masks. But in a few months time, we were able to export these things to different parts of the world. Our scientists are now well ahead of many others globally in their research on the vaccine. In a couple of months, we should be able to produce a vaccine for the COVID-19 infection. Our performance has been excellent on every parameter set by the World Health Organisation, we have the highest recovery rate and the least fatality rate. We have 2,115 laboratories in every nook and corner of the country for COVID tests. Over 20 lakh dedicated COVID beds are in place. It proves that whenever India decides to excel at something, it does," the Health Minister asserted.

Sharing the vision of PM Modi he said that the Centre will deliver a new India to the citizens in 2022.

"We will deliver a new India in 2022 as per the dream of PM Narendra Modi. Only humanism and nationalism would prevail in this new India as our PM envisions," Harsh Vardhan concluded.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said he was confident that the COVID-19 vaccine would be ready in the next three-four months and added that the priority to provide the same to 135 crore Indians would be based on scientific evaluation.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said he was confident that the COVID-19 vaccine would be ready in the next three-four months and added that the priority to provide the same to 135 crore Indians would be based on scientific evaluation. The Minister was addressing the FICCI FLO webinar on ''The Shifting Healthcare Paradigm During and Post-Covid'' today. "I am confident that the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready in the next three-four months. Priority for the vaccine will be designed on the basis of scientific data. Health care workers and corona warriors will naturally be prioritised followed by elderly and disease-prone people. Very detailed planning is underway for vaccine dissemination. An e-vaccine intelligence platform has been created to discuss the blueprint for the same. Tracking and tracing of the vaccine would be neck-deep once it's available for the public. Hopefully, 2021 should be a better year for all of us," the Health Minister said. Praising the efforts of the Central government, the Minister said some ''very bold steps'' were taken to fight the pandemic in the last few months. "Janta curfew was a very innovative and unique experiment by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It had nationwide participation from the citizens. The decision to impose a lockdown followed by unlocking were some bold decisions by the central government during the pandemic. We have handled it very well," the Minister said. "The government has been very proactive in its response towards this fight. Airports, seaports and land borders were put under surveillance for COVID-19 well in time," he added. Giving an account of the journey of the last 11 months, the Minister said India was amongst the top countries to control the impact of the pathogen in a short duration. "Initially we faced a shortage of PPE kits, ventilators and N-95 masks. But in a few months time, we were able to export these things to different parts of the world. Our scientists are now well ahead of many others globally in their research on the vaccine. In a couple of months, we should be able to produce a vaccine for the COVID-19 infection. Our performance has been excellent on every parameter set by the World Health Organisation, we have the highest recovery rate and the least fatality rate. We have 2,115 laboratories in every nook and corner of the country for COVID tests. Over 20 lakh dedicated COVID beds are in place. It proves that whenever India decides to excel at something, it does," the Health Minister asserted. Sharing the vision of PM Modi he said that the Centre will deliver a new India to the citizens in 2022. "We will deliver a new India in 2022 as per the dream of PM Narendra Modi. Only humanism and nationalism would prevail in this new India as our PM envisions," Harsh Vardhan concluded.

Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister

Foreign brokerage Goldman Sachs on Tuesday upgraded its India GDP forecast to a contraction of 10.3 per cent in FY21, as against its earlier estimate of a negative growth of 14.8 per cent.

The US-based firm said developments on the vaccine front — where two candidates have posted satisfactory progress — will be very helpful in the recovery.

The Reserve Bank expects India's GDP to contract by 9.5 per cent on real basis in the ongoing fiscal because of the impact suffered by the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

The GDP will stage an impressive recovery in FY22, with a growth of 13 per cent on the low base and benefits of the vaccine, Goldman Sachs said in a report.

"There is still a high degree of uncertainty around the outlook - and growth could significantly overshoot or undershoot these forecasts - depending on the course taken by the virus and vaccine-related developments in the coming year," it said.

It expects a normalisation in the containment policies and mobility restrictions only in mid-2022, once a vaccine is deployed.

A meaningful rebound in economic activity will happen from 2021 itself, it said, adding that consumer-facing services sectors will stage a faster recovery.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemicals-found-in-daily-use-products-could-decrease-covid-19-vaccines-effectiveness-reports-343850" hreflang="en">Chemicals found in daily-use products could decrease COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness: Reports</a>

However, the pace of the rebound will be restrained by some "economic scarring", and a number of factors like a weak labour market, the hit to private sector incomes and balance sheets, tighter credit supply conditions and a limited impetus from fiscal policy, it said.

Headline inflation is likely to decline towards the mid-point of the RBI''s target band of 2-6 per cent by mid-2021 as food prices fall on easing supply restrictions, a benign monsoon and favourable base effects, it said.

Core inflation could also moderate given low manufacturing capacity utilisation and appreciation in the rupee.

This will result in the RB's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cutting rates by 0.35 per cent next year, it said, adding that the panel with three new members has a dovish tilt.

The brokerage further said it will be overweight on Indian equities on the macro recovery and relatively higher sensitivity of Indian stocks to positive vaccine outcomes and added that appreciation pressures on the rupee will persist.

Foreign brokerage Goldman Sachs on Tuesday upgraded its India GDP forecast to a contraction of 10.3 per cent in FY21, as against its earlier estimate of a negative growth of 14.

Foreign brokerage Goldman Sachs on Tuesday upgraded its India GDP forecast to a contraction of 10.3 per cent in FY21, as against its earlier estimate of a negative growth of 14.8 per cent. The US-based firm said developments on the vaccine front — where two candidates have posted satisfactory progress — will be very helpful in the recovery. The Reserve Bank expects India's GDP to contract by 9.5 per cent on real basis in the ongoing fiscal because of the impact suffered by the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read| Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists The GDP will stage an impressive recovery in FY22, with a growth of 13 per cent on the low base and benefits of the vaccine, Goldman Sachs said in a report. "There is still a high degree of uncertainty around the outlook - and growth could significantly overshoot or undershoot these forecasts - depending on the course taken by the virus and vaccine-related developments in the coming year," it said. It expects a normalisation in the containment policies and mobility restrictions only in mid-2022, once a vaccine is deployed. A meaningful rebound in economic activity will happen from 2021 itself, it said, adding that consumer-facing services sectors will stage a faster recovery. Also read| Chemicals found in daily-use products could decrease COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness: Reports However, the pace of the rebound will be restrained by some "economic scarring", and a number of factors like a weak labour market, the hit to private sector incomes and balance sheets, tighter credit supply conditions and a limited impetus from fiscal policy, it said. Headline inflation is likely to decline towards the mid-point of the RBI''s target band of 2-6 per cent by mid-2021 as food prices fall on easing supply restrictions, a benign monsoon and favourable base effects, it said. Core inflation could also moderate given low manufacturing capacity utilisation and appreciation in the rupee. This will result in the RB's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cutting rates by 0.35 per cent next year, it said, adding that the panel with three new members has a dovish tilt. The brokerage further said it will be overweight on Indian equities on the macro recovery and relatively higher sensitivity of Indian stocks to positive vaccine outcomes and added that appreciation pressures on the rupee will persist.

Goldman Sachs ups India's eco forecast on vaccine progress, now expects 10.8 pc contraction in FY21

A team of scientists have recently revealed that a range of chemicals found in daily-use products&nbsp;could hinder the effectiveness and success of the COVID-19 vaccine.

As per some recent reports, our day-to-day commodities such as pans, pots, pizza boxes and waterproof clothing have small amounts of man-made chemicals called&nbsp;polyfluoroalkyl, also known as PFAS. These chemicals could negatively affect the effect of COVID-19 vaccine.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-citizen-journalist-who-uncovered-covid-19-truth-faces-possibility-of-jail-time-reports-343845">Chinese citizen journalist who uncovered COVID-19 truth faces possibility of jail time: Reports</a>

These chemicals are man-made and have earlier also shown hints of increasing risks of liver damage, cancer and decreased fertility in human beings. Now, the scientists have discovered that there might be a possibility these chemicals could hinder the effectiveness of the vaccine that is supposed to protect the humans from one of the deadliest viruses in the world.

"At this stage we don’t know if it will impact a corona vaccination, but it’s a risk,"&nbsp;said Philippe Grandjean, an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health. "We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

As per the initial research, it has been found that children who were exposed to these chemicals had reduced antibodies concentrations when they were administered with vaccines of&nbsp;tetanus and diphtheria. The same results were observed by another follow-up study on the matter.

The researchers also found out that a certain type of PFAS&nbsp;called perfluorobutyrate (or PFBA) can increase the risk and severity of the deadly virus as this chemical can accumulate in the lungs. However, the study proving the same, is yet to be peer-reviewed.

"People with high exposure to PFAS have a non-protective and very low antibody levels after four vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus,"&nbsp;Grandjean said. "So if a vaccine for Covid is similar, the PFAS will likely inhibit the response from a vaccine. But it is an unknown at this stage,"

A team of scientists have recently revealed that a range of chemicals found in daily-use products could hinder the effectiveness and success of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A team of scientists have recently revealed that a range of chemicals found in daily-use products could hinder the effectiveness and success of the COVID-19 vaccine. As per some recent reports, our day-to-day commodities such as pans, pots, pizza boxes and waterproof clothing have small amounts of man-made chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl, also known as PFAS. These chemicals could negatively affect the effect of COVID-19 vaccine. ALso read| Chinese citizen journalist who uncovered COVID-19 truth faces possibility of jail time: Reports These chemicals are man-made and have earlier also shown hints of increasing risks of liver damage, cancer and decreased fertility in human beings. Now, the scientists have discovered that there might be a possibility these chemicals could hinder the effectiveness of the vaccine that is supposed to protect the humans from one of the deadliest viruses in the world. "At this stage we don’t know if it will impact a corona vaccination, but it’s a risk," said Philippe Grandjean, an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health. "We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best." Also read| Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists As per the initial research, it has been found that children who were exposed to these chemicals had reduced antibodies concentrations when they were administered with vaccines of tetanus and diphtheria. The same results were observed by another follow-up study on the matter. The researchers also found out that a certain type of PFAS called perfluorobutyrate (or PFBA) can increase the risk and severity of the deadly virus as this chemical can accumulate in the lungs. However, the study proving the same, is yet to be peer-reviewed. "People with high exposure to PFAS have a non-protective and very low antibody levels after four vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus," Grandjean said. "So if a vaccine for Covid is similar, the PFAS will likely inhibit the response from a vaccine. But it is an unknown at this stage,"

Chemicals found in daily-use products could decrease COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness: Reports

Moderna Inc said on Monday (November 16) its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial, becoming the second U.S. company in a week to report results that far exceed expectations.

Moderna says coronavirus vaccine 94.5% effective

US biotech firm Moderna on Monday announced its experimental vaccine against Covid-19 was 94.5 percent effective, marking a second major breakthrough in the vaccine hunt.

WION Dispatch: Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine is over 94% effective

A lead scientist behind&nbsp;Pfizer's&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine,&nbsp;Ugur Sahin, has warned that the jab needs time to be effective and that&nbsp;life will not return to normal till next winter.

Together with US giant&nbsp;Pfizer, BioN is developing the leading candidate in the worldwide chase for a vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

An effective inoculation against COVID-19 has been billed as the best way to end the global health crisis, but Professor Ugur Sahin, the co-founder of BioNTech, has cautioned against assuming the pandemic is behind us. &nbsp;

"Our goal is to deliver more than 300 million doses by April next year, which could already have an impact," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-claim-their-coronavirus-vaccine-is-90-effective-341931">Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective</a>

The vaccine, which Pfizer reports is over 90 percent effective, could be distributed to the general public as early as mid-December.&nbsp;

Israel signed a deal with Pfizer Inc on Friday to receive 8 million doses of the drugmaker's potential COVID-19 vaccine, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, enough to cover close to half of Israel`s population.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-signs-deal-with-pfizer-for-potential-covid-19-vaccine-342970">Israel signs deal with Pfizer for potential COVID-19 vaccine</a>

The infection rate will then go down in summer, Sahin predicted, adding that it is essential that there is a high takeup of the vaccination by autumn.

A number of vaccination companies are working to increase the supply, he said: "so we could have a normal winter next (year)."

Sahin and his wife Ozlem Tureci founded BioNTech in the western German city of Mainz in 2008.

Having identified promising vaccine blueprints, the company formed a partnership in March with American pharmaceutical giant&nbsp;Pfizer.

The announcement on Monday that their vaccine was more than 90 percent effective in trials led news bulletins around the world and sent stock markets and hopes soaring.&nbsp;

BioNTech is now worth $25.8 billion (21.8 billion euros), more than Germany's largest lender Deutsche Bank.

A lead scientist behind Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, Ugur Sahin, has warned that the jab needs time to be effective and that life will not return to normal till next winter.

A lead scientist behind Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, Ugur Sahin, has warned that the jab needs time to be effective and that life will not return to normal till next winter. Together with US giant Pfizer, BioN is developing the leading candidate in the worldwide chase for a vaccine. Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot An effective inoculation against COVID-19 has been billed as the best way to end the global health crisis, but Professor Ugur Sahin, the co-founder of BioNTech, has cautioned against assuming the pandemic is behind us. "Our goal is to deliver more than 300 million doses by April next year, which could already have an impact," he said. Also read: Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective The vaccine, which Pfizer reports is over 90 percent effective, could be distributed to the general public as early as mid-December. Israel signed a deal with Pfizer Inc on Friday to receive 8 million doses of the drugmaker's potential COVID-19 vaccine, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, enough to cover close to half of Israel`s population. Also read: Israel signs deal with Pfizer for potential COVID-19 vaccine The infection rate will then go down in summer, Sahin predicted, adding that it is essential that there is a high takeup of the vaccination by autumn. A number of vaccination companies are working to increase the supply, he said: "so we could have a normal winter next (year)." Sahin and his wife Ozlem Tureci founded BioNTech in the western German city of Mainz in 2008. Having identified promising vaccine blueprints, the company formed a partnership in March with American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. The announcement on Monday that their vaccine was more than 90 percent effective in trials led news bulletins around the world and sent stock markets and hopes soaring. BioNTech is now worth $25.8 billion (21.8 billion euros), more than Germany's largest lender Deutsche Bank.

Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter

Positive data on BioNTech and US partner Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine came as a happy surprise for not only the world, but also the married couple behind the German biotech firm. Physicians Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci, who bonded over their love of medical research, are the people behind the Covid-19 vaccine that could change the world.

Who is the couple behind Pfizer's COVID vaccine that could change the world?

After Pfizer's claim that the COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective based on initial trial results, a few volunteers said that they suffered side effects comparable to a flu jab, with one comparing them to "a severe hangover".

Around 43,500 people in six countries have taken part in the phase three trial run by the pharmaceutical giant and its partner BioNTech.

One of the volunteers of the trial, Texas lobbyist Glenn Deshields compared side effects of the shot as being similar to "a severe hangover" whereas another one, 45-year old Carrie said that she went through fever, body aches and headache after the second shot.&nbsp;

Carrie also said that signing up for the trial was a “civic duty” and said Monday’s positive news left her feeling “very proud”.She said that 'There are so many people who have had it and suffered.'She had received her first shot back in September and her second last month.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech said they had found no serious safety concerns yet and expected to seek U.S. emergency use authorization this month, raising the chance of a regulatory decision as soon as December.

If granted, the companies estimate they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year, enough to protect 25 million people, and then produce up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which relies on synthetic genes that can be generated and manufactured in weeks and produced at scale more rapidly than conventional vaccines. The technology is designed to trigger an immune response without using pathogens, such as actual virus particles.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Pfizer's claim that the COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective based on initial trial results, a few volunteers said that they suffered side effects comparable to a flu jab, with one comparing them to "a severe hangover".

After Pfizer's claim that the COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective based on initial trial results, a few volunteers said that they suffered side effects comparable to a flu jab, with one comparing them to "a severe hangover". Around 43,500 people in six countries have taken part in the phase three trial run by the pharmaceutical giant and its partner BioNTech. One of the volunteers of the trial, Texas lobbyist Glenn Deshields compared side effects of the shot as being similar to "a severe hangover" whereas another one, 45-year old Carrie said that she went through fever, body aches and headache after the second shot. Carrie also said that signing up for the trial was a “civic duty” and said Monday’s positive news left her feeling “very proud”.She said that 'There are so many people who have had it and suffered.'She had received her first shot back in September and her second last month. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech said they had found no serious safety concerns yet and expected to seek U.S. emergency use authorization this month, raising the chance of a regulatory decision as soon as December. If granted, the companies estimate they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year, enough to protect 25 million people, and then produce up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021. The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which relies on synthetic genes that can be generated and manufactured in weeks and produced at scale more rapidly than conventional vaccines. The technology is designed to trigger an immune response without using pathogens, such as actual virus particles. (With inputs from agencies)

Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot

The entire world is scrambling to formulate a potion for the coronavirus-ravaged human race -- a Covid-19 vaccine. And scientists have been successful too.

But the vaccines have unfortunately exhibited a few side-effects -- proving to be a setback for humanity and its survival in the face of the raging coronavirus pandemic.

Drugmakers and research centres around the world, however, continue to work on COVID-19 vaccines, with large global trials of several of the candidates involving tens of thousands of participants well underway.

Here's a status check of the global race to deliver vaccines to help end the coronavirus pandemic:

PFIZER INC

US drugmaker Pfizer Inc has become the first company to release preliminary data showing that their shot worked in late-stage clinical trials.

In a major victory in the war against a virus that has killed over a million people and battered the world's economy, Pfizer Inc said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective based on initial trial results.

The interim analysis, conducted after 94 participants in the trial developed COVID-19, examined how many had received the vaccine versus a placebo. Pfizer did not provide that detail, but over 90% effective implies that no more than 8 of the 94 had received the vaccine, administered in two shots about three weeks apart.

The efficacy rate, which could drop once full results are available, is well above the 50% effectiveness required by the US Food and Drug Administration for a coronavirus vaccine.

But this appeared a contentious as one of the volunteers of the trial, Texas lobbyist Glenn Deshields compared side effects of the shot as being similar to "a severe hangover" whereas another one, 45-year old Carrie said that she went through fever, body aches and headache after the second shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">READ FULL STORY&nbsp;</a>

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, however, said they had found no serious safety concerns yet and expected to seek US&nbsp;emergency use authorisation this month, raising the chance of a regulatory decision as soon as December.

Shortly after Pfizer’s announcement, Russia said its Sputnik V vaccine was also more than 90% effective, based on data collated from inoculations of the public.

RUSSIA'S SPUTNIK V

Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was found to be 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results, the country’s sovereign wealth fund said on November 11.

But this came at a cost.

Russia registered the vaccine for public use in August, the first country to do so, ahead of the start of the large-scale trial in September.

But soon after, Russian health minister Mikhail Murashko said that one in seven volunteers complained of side effects, including weakness and muscle pain after receiving the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;

Results of the phase 1/2 trials of the vaccine published in The Lancet showed no serious adverse effects and a stable immune response in 100 per cent of participants.

Despite this, Russian health authorities announced advanced trials of Sputnik V among 40,000 volunteers two weeks after it received government approval. Officials also said that vaccination of risk groups, such as doctors and teachers, will be carried out in parallel to the studies.

More than 55,000 volunteers had applied to take part in post-registration clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine -- the results of which were announced two days back.

Post-registration trials of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine revealed no new side effects, Director of the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

"These expanded trials have proved that about 15-17% of those vaccinated develop side effects, which means that 80% don’t have any issues after vaccination," Gintsburg added.

According to him, potential side effects include a small temperature rise for up to two days, redness at the injection site, headache and muscle discomfort.

According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of creating long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years.

ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca got the FDA’s all-clear to restart the US study of its COVID-19 vaccine almost three weeks back.

Although the agency couldn’t rule out a link between AstraZeneca’s vaccine and side effects observed in one patient, it did not find the vaccine was responsible for them.

At least two participants in AstraZeneca’s phase III trial had experienced transverse myelitis, an inflammatory syndrome that affects the spinal cord.

On September 11, AstraZeneca published a report saying “there was insufficient evidence to say for certain that the illnesses were or were not related to the vaccine.”

The British pharma company halted testing globally last month after the first case of transverse myelitis was reported.

The company has now resumed phase 3 trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India, but not yet in the US.

AstraZeneca had also employed a blood-cancer medicine Calquence to help patients hospitalised with respiratory symptoms of Covid-19. But the group of patients taking the drug in addition to standard care didn’t show fewer deaths or respiratory failures, the drugmaker said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine producer, has said it has made 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential Covid-19 vaccine, and will soon begin making Novavax's rival shot, as they both seek regulatory approval.

JOHNSON &amp; JOHNSON

Then came Johnson &amp; Johnson -- which paused its phase III vaccine trial after a volunteer experienced unexplained illness after receiving the shot.

The company didn’t disclose what the illness was. It’s also unclear whether the sick participant was in the actual vaccine group or in the placebo group.

"Adverse events—illnesses, accidents, etc.—even those that are serious, are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies," Johnson &amp; Johnson said in a statement.

CHINA'S SINOVAC

Brazil's health regulator halted clinical trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine CoronaVac, citing an “adverse, serious event.”

The decision posted on Anvisa's website this month elicited immediate surprise from parties involved in producing the vaccine.

The potential vaccine is being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac and in Brazil would be mostly produced by Sao Paulo's state-run Butantan Institute.

On November 12, Anvisa allowed the resumption of late-stage Brazilian clinical trials for Sinovac vaccine.

It was reported there had been no need to stop the study as the death had no relation to the vaccine.

Brazil has one of the world’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks, with more than 5.7 million confirmed cases and 163,000 deaths. And President Jair Bolsonaro has come under fire for his constant dismissal of the virus and its dangers.

(with inputs)

The entire world is scrambling to formulate a potion for the coronavirus-ravaged human race -- a Covid-19 vaccine. And scientists have been successful too. But the vaccines have unfortunately exhibited a few side-effects -- proving to be a setback for humanity and its survival in the face of the raging coronavirus pandemic.

The entire world is scrambling to formulate a potion for the coronavirus-ravaged human race -- a Covid-19 vaccine. And scientists have been successful too. But the vaccines have unfortunately exhibited a few side-effects -- proving to be a setback for humanity and its survival in the face of the raging coronavirus pandemic. Drugmakers and research centres around the world, however, continue to work on COVID-19 vaccines, with large global trials of several of the candidates involving tens of thousands of participants well underway. Here's a status check of the global race to deliver vaccines to help end the coronavirus pandemic: PFIZER INC US drugmaker Pfizer Inc has become the first company to release preliminary data showing that their shot worked in late-stage clinical trials. In a major victory in the war against a virus that has killed over a million people and battered the world's economy, Pfizer Inc said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective based on initial trial results. The interim analysis, conducted after 94 participants in the trial developed COVID-19, examined how many had received the vaccine versus a placebo. Pfizer did not provide that detail, but over 90% effective implies that no more than 8 of the 94 had received the vaccine, administered in two shots about three weeks apart. The efficacy rate, which could drop once full results are available, is well above the 50% effectiveness required by the US Food and Drug Administration for a coronavirus vaccine. But this appeared a contentious as one of the volunteers of the trial, Texas lobbyist Glenn Deshields compared side effects of the shot as being similar to "a severe hangover" whereas another one, 45-year old Carrie said that she went through fever, body aches and headache after the second shot. READ FULL STORY Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, however, said they had found no serious safety concerns yet and expected to seek US emergency use authorisation this month, raising the chance of a regulatory decision as soon as December. Shortly after Pfizer’s announcement, Russia said its Sputnik V vaccine was also more than 90% effective, based on data collated from inoculations of the public. RUSSIA'S SPUTNIK V Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was found to be 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results, the country’s sovereign wealth fund said on November 11. But this came at a cost. Russia registered the vaccine for public use in August, the first country to do so, ahead of the start of the large-scale trial in September. But soon after, Russian health minister Mikhail Murashko said that one in seven volunteers complained of side effects, including weakness and muscle pain after receiving the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Results of the phase 1/2 trials of the vaccine published in The Lancet showed no serious adverse effects and a stable immune response in 100 per cent of participants. Despite this, Russian health authorities announced advanced trials of Sputnik V among 40,000 volunteers two weeks after it received government approval. Officials also said that vaccination of risk groups, such as doctors and teachers, will be carried out in parallel to the studies. More than 55,000 volunteers had applied to take part in post-registration clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine -- the results of which were announced two days back. Post-registration trials of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine revealed no new side effects, Director of the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told the Rossiya-24 TV channel. "These expanded trials have proved that about 15-17% of those vaccinated develop side effects, which means that 80% don’t have any issues after vaccination," Gintsburg added. According to him, potential side effects include a small temperature rise for up to two days, redness at the injection site, headache and muscle discomfort. According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of creating long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years. ASTRAZENECA AstraZeneca got the FDA’s all-clear to restart the US study of its COVID-19 vaccine almost three weeks back. Although the agency couldn’t rule out a link between AstraZeneca’s vaccine and side effects observed in one patient, it did not find the vaccine was responsible for them. At least two participants in AstraZeneca’s phase III trial had experienced transverse myelitis, an inflammatory syndrome that affects the spinal cord. On September 11, AstraZeneca published a report saying “there was insufficient evidence to say for certain that the illnesses were or were not related to the vaccine.” The British pharma company halted testing globally last month after the first case of transverse myelitis was reported. The company has now resumed phase 3 trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India, but not yet in the US. AstraZeneca had also employed a blood-cancer medicine Calquence to help patients hospitalised with respiratory symptoms of Covid-19. But the group of patients taking the drug in addition to standard care didn’t show fewer deaths or respiratory failures, the drugmaker said in a statement. Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine producer, has said it has made 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential Covid-19 vaccine, and will soon begin making Novavax's rival shot, as they both seek regulatory approval. JOHNSON & JOHNSON Then came Johnson & Johnson -- which paused its phase III vaccine trial after a volunteer experienced unexplained illness after receiving the shot. The company didn’t disclose what the illness was. It’s also unclear whether the sick participant was in the actual vaccine group or in the placebo group. "Adverse events—illnesses, accidents, etc.—even those that are serious, are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies," Johnson & Johnson said in a statement. CHINA'S SINOVAC Brazil's health regulator halted clinical trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine CoronaVac, citing an “adverse, serious event.” The decision posted on Anvisa's website this month elicited immediate surprise from parties involved in producing the vaccine. The potential vaccine is being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac and in Brazil would be mostly produced by Sao Paulo's state-run Butantan Institute. On November 12, Anvisa allowed the resumption of late-stage Brazilian clinical trials for Sinovac vaccine. It was reported there had been no need to stop the study as the death had no relation to the vaccine. Brazil has one of the world’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks, with more than 5.7 million confirmed cases and 163,000 deaths. And President Jair Bolsonaro has come under fire for his constant dismissal of the virus and its dangers. (with inputs)

Where are we in the COVID-19 vaccine race? Here's a status check of trials and side-effects

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Also read | Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted.

Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical major Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 candidate vaccine ZyCov-D is likely to enter Phase III final stage of clinical trials by December. If all goes well, the vaccine should be ready for launch by March, next year. Further, Zydus is working on a second vaccine for COVID-19 and its pre-clinical data will be ready by January.

Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech is also reached to the third phase of clinical trials for 'Covaxin', in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Phase 3 trials of Covaxin will take place at 25 centres across India with a total of 26,000 participants. India's drug regulator, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), granted approval for the third phase after successful completion of the first two phases of trials.&nbsp;

Serum Insitute of India, the world's largest maker of vaccines, has also said that it has already produced 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine is named Covishield by the institute and is jointly developed by pharma giant AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. It is originally named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and is one of the top contenders in the race to develop vaccines to treat Covid-19.&nbsp;

Covishield has been developed at SII Pune laboratory with a master seed from Oxford University/AstraZeneca.

Serum refused to confirm whether the 40 million doses of vaccine will be supplied globally or only distributed in India, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The vaccine maker also said doses of Novavax vaccine, another top candidate, will be produced soon, adding that the bulk of the drug has been received from the US Company.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. Also read | Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted.

India is racing ahead with work on its coronavirus vaccine as countries around the world sought to conquer the pandemic and rescue their economies. Also read | Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Companies like Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are at the forefront of research on covid vaccines and are likely to be among the leading manufacturers as and when their commercial application is permitted. Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical major Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 candidate vaccine ZyCov-D is likely to enter Phase III final stage of clinical trials by December. If all goes well, the vaccine should be ready for launch by March, next year. Further, Zydus is working on a second vaccine for COVID-19 and its pre-clinical data will be ready by January. Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech is also reached to the third phase of clinical trials for 'Covaxin', in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Phase 3 trials of Covaxin will take place at 25 centres across India with a total of 26,000 participants. India's drug regulator, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), granted approval for the third phase after successful completion of the first two phases of trials. Serum Insitute of India, the world's largest maker of vaccines, has also said that it has already produced 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is named Covishield by the institute and is jointly developed by pharma giant AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. It is originally named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and is one of the top contenders in the race to develop vaccines to treat Covid-19. Covishield has been developed at SII Pune laboratory with a master seed from Oxford University/AstraZeneca. Serum refused to confirm whether the 40 million doses of vaccine will be supplied globally or only distributed in India, news agency Reuters reported. The vaccine maker also said doses of Novavax vaccine, another top candidate, will be produced soon, adding that the bulk of the drug has been received from the US Company. (With inputs from agencies)

These three Indian companies are ready to produce Covid-19 vaccine

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.&nbsp;

A Chinese ship sailing off Australia's northern coast last week illuminated the plane, Canberra's defence department said Sunday, adding that the act had "the potential to endanger lives."

Beijing said that the laser accusation was "not true". It defended movement of the Chinese ship as "normal navigation ... in line with relevant international law."

"We urge Australia to respect the legitimate rights of Chinese ships in relevant sea areas in accordance with international law and stop spreading false information related to China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing.

"I think the Chinese government is hoping that nobody talks about these aggressive bullying acts," Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said previously, calling the incident "very aggressive".

China also was accused of targeting Australian aircraft using military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were illuminated over the South China Sea.

Relations between China and Australia have nosedived in recent years after Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged globally in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

China responded by placing tariffs on Australian goods worth billions of dollars, dragging both countries into a protracted trade standoff.&nbsp;

Beijing also reacted with fury last year when Canberra joined a trilateral defence pact with the United States and Britain that would allow it to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, to counter China's growing military might in the Asia-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. A Chinese ship sailing off Australia's northern coast last week illuminated the plane, Canberra's defence department said Sunday, adding that the act had "the potential to endanger lives." Beijing said that the laser accusation was "not true". It defended movement of the Chinese ship as "normal navigation ... in line with relevant international law." "We urge Australia to respect the legitimate rights of Chinese ships in relevant sea areas in accordance with international law and stop spreading false information related to China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing. "I think the Chinese government is hoping that nobody talks about these aggressive bullying acts," Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said previously, calling the incident "very aggressive". China also was accused of targeting Australian aircraft using military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were illuminated over the South China Sea. Relations between China and Australia have nosedived in recent years after Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged globally in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China responded by placing tariffs on Australian goods worth billions of dollars, dragging both countries into a protracted trade standoff. Beijing also reacted with fury last year when Canberra joined a trilateral defence pact with the United States and Britain that would allow it to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, to counter China's growing military might in the Asia-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India

Pfizer Inc is currently in discussions with the government to distribute its potential COVID-19 vaccine in India.

"We remain committed to advance our dialogue with the Government of India to make this vaccine available for use in the country," Indian media quoted the spokesperson as saying.

India is currently having a discussion on securing Pfizer's messenger RNA vaccine as well as a number of other domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

Pfizer is also working closely with the US government and state officials on how to ship the vaccine from its distribution centres in the United States, Germany and Belgium around the globe. The detailed plan includes using dry ice to transport frozen vaccine vials by both air and land at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days.

Earlier, Pfizer Inc said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective, a major victory in the fight against a pandemic that has killed more than a million people, battered the world's economy and upended daily life.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE are the first drugmakers to release successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine. The companies said they have so far found no serious safety concerns and expect to seek US authorization this month for emergency use of the vaccine.

But according to the reports, the experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE may not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon.

The vaccine's complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer Inc is currently in discussions with the government to distribute its potential COVID-19 vaccine in India. "We remain committed to advance our dialogue with the Government of India to make this vaccine available for use in the country," Indian media quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Pfizer Inc is currently in discussions with the government to distribute its potential COVID-19 vaccine in India. "We remain committed to advance our dialogue with the Government of India to make this vaccine available for use in the country," Indian media quoted the spokesperson as saying. India is currently having a discussion on securing Pfizer's messenger RNA vaccine as well as a number of other domestic and foreign COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Pfizer is also working closely with the US government and state officials on how to ship the vaccine from its distribution centres in the United States, Germany and Belgium around the globe. The detailed plan includes using dry ice to transport frozen vaccine vials by both air and land at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days. Earlier, Pfizer Inc said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective, a major victory in the fight against a pandemic that has killed more than a million people, battered the world's economy and upended daily life. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE are the first drugmakers to release successful data from a large-scale clinical trial of a coronavirus vaccine. The companies said they have so far found no serious safety concerns and expect to seek US authorization this month for emergency use of the vaccine. But according to the reports, the experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE may not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon. The vaccine's complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer in talks with government to bring its COVID-19 vaccine to India: Report

Serum Insitute of India, the world's largest maker of vaccines, on Thursday said it has already produced 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine is named Covishield by the institute and is jointly developed by pharma giant AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

It is originally named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and is one of the top contenders in the race to develop vaccines to treat Covid-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-president-warns-recurring-cycles-viral-spread-despite-vaccine-342445">EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine</a>

Serum refused to confirm whether the 40 million doses of vaccine will be supplied globally or only distributed in India, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The vaccine maker also said doses of Novavax vaccine, another top candidate, will be produced soon, adding that the bulk of the drug has been received from the US company.&nbsp;

It also said the AstraZeneca vaccine is in the most advanced stage of human testing in India, adding that the company along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will pursue "early availability" of the doses in India.

India also has at least two indigenously developed vaccine candidates, while Dr Reddy's Labs is conducting a trial for Russia's vaccine candidate.

The development came as coronavirus infections in India, the world's second-worst, reached 8.68 million on Thursday and the death toll rose over 128,000.

 
&nbsp;

Serum Insitute of India, the world's largest maker of vaccines, on Thursday said it has already produced 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine.

Serum Insitute of India, the world's largest maker of vaccines, on Thursday said it has already produced 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's potential COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is named Covishield by the institute and is jointly developed by pharma giant AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. Also read | Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot It is originally named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and is one of the top contenders in the race to develop vaccines to treat Covid-19. Also read | EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine Serum refused to confirm whether the 40 million doses of vaccine will be supplied globally or only distributed in India, news agency Reuters reported. The vaccine maker also said doses of Novavax vaccine, another top candidate, will be produced soon, adding that the bulk of the drug has been received from the US company. It also said the AstraZeneca vaccine is in the most advanced stage of human testing in India, adding that the company along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will pursue "early availability" of the doses in India. India also has at least two indigenously developed vaccine candidates, while Dr Reddy's Labs is conducting a trial for Russia's vaccine candidate. The development came as coronavirus infections in India, the world's second-worst, reached 8.68 million on Thursday and the death toll rose over 128,000.

India's Serum Institute, world's largest vaccine maker says 40 million doses of AstraZeneca drug produced

Stock markets gained on Wednesday, as news of a working COVID-19 vaccine seemed to inoculate investors against worry about surging infections in Europe and the United States, while the kiwi rose as traders thought the central bank sounded upbeat.

Global stocks up as vaccine shields against second-wave worries

News of a breakthrough in the race to find a COVID-19 vaccine sparked one of the heaviest trading days since the height of the pandemic crisis, according to early data analysed by Reuters, with nearly $2 trillion (1.51 trillion pounds) changing hands on Monday.

Nearly $2 trillion traded on COVID-19 vaccine news

The trial of a Chinese vaccine has been suspended in Brazil after a 'serious adverse event'. China is not the only player in the vaccine race. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the candidates in the global vaccine hunt.

Gravitas: Chinese vaccine triggers 'serious adverse event',  Brazil suspends trials

India: Sensex trading above 43,500 mark

The experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc&nbsp;and BioNTech SE&nbsp;may not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon.

The vaccine's complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight.

The data, which sent US stocks to record highs, showed that the two companies' experimental vaccine is 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Pfizer and BioNTech need to get regulators to sign off on the shot before it can start shipping vaccines to those considered most in need by government. Healthcare workers and people living in nursing homes will likely top that list.

But the main issue is that the vaccine, which is based on a novel technology that uses synthetic mRNA to activate the immune system against the virus, needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees Celsius (-94 F) or below.

To this end, one of the most prestigious US hospitals, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said it does not currently have that capability.

Pfizer is working closely with the US government and state officials on how to ship the vaccine from its distribution centres in the United States, Germany and Belgium around the globe. The detailed plan includes using dry ice to transport frozen vaccine vials by both air and land at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days.

They can be kept in an ultra-low temperature freezer for up to six months, or for five days at 2-8 degrees C – a type of refrigeration commonly available at hospitals. The Pfizer storage units can also be refilled with ice for up to 15 days.

But shots will spoil in around five days at normal refrigeration temperatures of slightly above freezing. The companies are analyzing if they can extend that for two weeks.

Other vaccines including ones from Johnson &amp; Johnson&nbsp;and Novavax Inc&nbsp;can be stored at 2-8 degrees C, the temperature of a regular refrigerator.

The cold storage requirements could impede Pfizer’s ability to reach rural healthcare systems and nursing homes, or less wealthy nations, which may not have the funds for the refrigeration units, experts said.

Without the extra equipment, doctors will have a dilemma: store vaccines in standard refrigerators and deploy all 975 doses in each Pfizer vaccine container in less than five days or restock them with dry ice and open them only twice a day to extend the vaccines’ life span.

(with inputs)

The experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE may not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon. The vaccine's complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight.

The experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE may not be coming to local pharmacies for the general public any time soon. The vaccine's complex and super-cold storage requirements are an obstacle for even the most sophisticated hospitals in the United States and may impact when and where it is available in rural areas or poor countries where resources are tight. The data, which sent US stocks to record highs, showed that the two companies' experimental vaccine is 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Pfizer and BioNTech need to get regulators to sign off on the shot before it can start shipping vaccines to those considered most in need by government. Healthcare workers and people living in nursing homes will likely top that list. But the main issue is that the vaccine, which is based on a novel technology that uses synthetic mRNA to activate the immune system against the virus, needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees Celsius (-94 F) or below. To this end, one of the most prestigious US hospitals, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said it does not currently have that capability. Pfizer is working closely with the US government and state officials on how to ship the vaccine from its distribution centres in the United States, Germany and Belgium around the globe. The detailed plan includes using dry ice to transport frozen vaccine vials by both air and land at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days. They can be kept in an ultra-low temperature freezer for up to six months, or for five days at 2-8 degrees C – a type of refrigeration commonly available at hospitals. The Pfizer storage units can also be refilled with ice for up to 15 days. But shots will spoil in around five days at normal refrigeration temperatures of slightly above freezing. The companies are analyzing if they can extend that for two weeks. Other vaccines including ones from Johnson & Johnson and Novavax Inc can be stored at 2-8 degrees C, the temperature of a regular refrigerator. The cold storage requirements could impede Pfizer’s ability to reach rural healthcare systems and nursing homes, or less wealthy nations, which may not have the funds for the refrigeration units, experts said. Without the extra equipment, doctors will have a dilemma: store vaccines in standard refrigerators and deploy all 975 doses in each Pfizer vaccine container in less than five days or restock them with dry ice and open them only twice a day to extend the vaccines’ life span. (with inputs)

Why Pfizer’s ultra-cold COVID-19 vaccine will not be at the local pharmacy any time soon

US President Donald Trump on Monday accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pfizer of withholding the announcement on the COVID-19 vaccine before elections to prevent him from getting a "vaccine win".

The US Food and Drug Administration "and the Democrats didn't want to have me get a Vaccine WIN, prior to the election, so instead, it came out five days later? As I've said all along!" Trump said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> and the Democrats didn’t want to have me get a Vaccine WIN, prior to the election, so instead it came out five days later – As I’ve said all along!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1325962203346972678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, pharma major Pfizer announced that its vaccine, as per preliminary estimates, has been found to be 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-claim-their-coronavirus-vaccine-is-90-effective-341931" hreflang="en">Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective</a>

Pfizer said that the vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis. Analysis evaluated 94 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in trial participants, it said.

Trump alleged, "If Joe Biden were President, you wouldn't have the Vaccine for another four years, nor would the @US_FDA have ever approved it so quickly. The bureaucracy would have destroyed millions of lives!" 
Previously, Trump had said that he worked on removing a large number of bureaucratic obstacles to fast-track development and approval of a vaccine.

"As I have long said, @Pfizer and the others would only announce a Vaccine after the Election, because they didn't have the courage to do it before. Likewise, the @US_FDA should have announced it earlier, not for political purposes, but for saving lives!" he tweeted. 
Earlier in the day, President-elect Joe Biden said the announcement promises the chance to change that next year, but the tasks before them now remain the same.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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As I have long said, <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> and the others would only announce a Vaccine after the Election, because they didn’t have the courage to do it before. Likewise, the <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> should have announced it earlier, not for political purposes, but for saving lives!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1325961445062938625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I congratulate the brilliant women and men who helped produce this breakthrough and to give us such cause for hope," he said. "At the same time, it is also important to understand that the end of the battle against COVID-19 is still months away," Biden said.

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Statement by President-elect Biden on Pfizer's vaccine progress: <a href="https://t.co/eOiLZnqO8N">pic.twitter.com/eOiLZnqO8N</a>
— Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) <a href="https://twitter.com/Transition46/status/1325816759690129412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the world welcomes good news about a vaccine that could be a giant leap forward in the fight against the coronavirus.

"We are all praying that this early evidence of extraordinary efficacy and safety holds true so that the vaccine can be approved and distributed soon but not one day sooner or one day later than it is ready," she said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pfizer of withholding the announcement on the COVID-19 vaccine before elections to prevent him from getting a "vaccine win".

US President Donald Trump on Monday accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pfizer of withholding the announcement on the COVID-19 vaccine before elections to prevent him from getting a "vaccine win". The US Food and Drug Administration "and the Democrats didn't want to have me get a Vaccine WIN, prior to the election, so instead, it came out five days later? As I've said all along!" Trump said in a tweet. The @US_FDA and the Democrats didn’t want to have me get a Vaccine WIN, prior to the election, so instead it came out five days later – As I’ve said all along! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2020 × Earlier, pharma major Pfizer announced that its vaccine, as per preliminary estimates, has been found to be 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19. Also read: Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective Pfizer said that the vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis. Analysis evaluated 94 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in trial participants, it said. Trump alleged, "If Joe Biden were President, you wouldn't have the Vaccine for another four years, nor would the @US_FDA have ever approved it so quickly. The bureaucracy would have destroyed millions of lives!" Previously, Trump had said that he worked on removing a large number of bureaucratic obstacles to fast-track development and approval of a vaccine. "As I have long said, @Pfizer and the others would only announce a Vaccine after the Election, because they didn't have the courage to do it before. Likewise, the @US_FDA should have announced it earlier, not for political purposes, but for saving lives!" he tweeted. Earlier in the day, President-elect Joe Biden said the announcement promises the chance to change that next year, but the tasks before them now remain the same. As I have long said, @Pfizer and the others would only announce a Vaccine after the Election, because they didn’t have the courage to do it before. Likewise, the @US_FDA should have announced it earlier, not for political purposes, but for saving lives! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2020 × "I congratulate the brilliant women and men who helped produce this breakthrough and to give us such cause for hope," he said. "At the same time, it is also important to understand that the end of the battle against COVID-19 is still months away," Biden said. Statement by President-elect Biden on Pfizer's vaccine progress: pic.twitter.com/eOiLZnqO8N — Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) November 9, 2020 × House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the world welcomes good news about a vaccine that could be a giant leap forward in the fight against the coronavirus. "We are all praying that this early evidence of extraordinary efficacy and safety holds true so that the vaccine can be approved and distributed soon but not one day sooner or one day later than it is ready," she said.

Trump accuses FDA and Pfizer of withholding COVID-19 vaccine announcement before elections

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd&nbsp;said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness.

Remdesivir was developed by US&nbsp;drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc, which cut its 2020 revenue forecast last month, citing lower-than-expected demand and difficulty in predicting sales of the treatment. Cipla is among several firms licensed to make and sell generic versions in developing nations.

Cipla's version, Cipremi, was commercially launched in July and costs just above $50 per 100 mg vial.

"From October onwards, (the company is) seeing a very sharp increase in (Remdesivir) monthly volumes ... there are no constraints on supplies now," Cipla's global chief financial officer, Kedar Upadhye, told Reuters.

He said the company had sold more than 300,000 vials of the drug across the country as of September.

Remdesivir has become the standard of care for patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, with more than 50 countries including the United States approving its use.

But the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month that its global trial of COVID-19 therapies had found that Remdesivir did not have a substantial effect on the length of patients' hospital stays or their chances of survival.

"In India, the protocols (on remdesivir) have not changed, and demand continues," Cipla's Upadhye said, adding that the company has also begun export of the drug to "a few countries" in the second quarter, without giving any other details.

Mumbai-based Cipla, which has already been supplying the drug to South Africa since July, posted a 41.2 per cent&nbsp;rise in consolidated net profit on Friday for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness.

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness. Remdesivir was developed by US drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc, which cut its 2020 revenue forecast last month, citing lower-than-expected demand and difficulty in predicting sales of the treatment. Cipla is among several firms licensed to make and sell generic versions in developing nations. Cipla's version, Cipremi, was commercially launched in July and costs just above $50 per 100 mg vial. "From October onwards, (the company is) seeing a very sharp increase in (Remdesivir) monthly volumes ... there are no constraints on supplies now," Cipla's global chief financial officer, Kedar Upadhye, told Reuters. He said the company had sold more than 300,000 vials of the drug across the country as of September. Remdesivir has become the standard of care for patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, with more than 50 countries including the United States approving its use. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month that its global trial of COVID-19 therapies had found that Remdesivir did not have a substantial effect on the length of patients' hospital stays or their chances of survival. "In India, the protocols (on remdesivir) have not changed, and demand continues," Cipla's Upadhye said, adding that the company has also begun export of the drug to "a few countries" in the second quarter, without giving any other details. Mumbai-based Cipla, which has already been supplying the drug to South Africa since July, posted a 41.2 per cent rise in consolidated net profit on Friday for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

Indian demand for COVID-19 drug Remdesivir rising sharply: Cipla

Bangladesh has signed a crucial deal with the Serum Institute of India to acquire 30 million doses of a potential vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca for COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine: Bangladesh signs deal with Serum Institute of India

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development. Ministry of external affairs will soon organize a tour of the head of diplomatic missions to its vaccine and diagnostic facilities in Pune.

During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla speaking on the COVID vaccine said, "We are on track on the development and trial of vaccines. We are exploring the possibility of conducting phase III trials in a few of our partner countries."

Adding, "We are also looking forward to researching collaboration in the field of vaccine development. Based on willingness, we may also go for joint production of vaccines in some countries."

India has already conducted online training sessions for nearly 90 participants from 8 neighbouring countries to develop capacity in clinical trials and clinical practices.

He reiterated PM Modi's commitment that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis", something PM had mentioned during his United Nations General Assembly address.

Meanwhile, many of the foreign envoys speaking to WION welcomed the initiative by the MEA. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos called the briefing as "excellent..very informative and well prepared, with distinguished speakers from Health Sector."

Further adding,"all of the Diplomatic Corp that attended were very grateful, pleased and interested in the subject. Kudos to Foreign &nbsp;Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Chief of Protocol, Nagesh Singh, for organizing this for the Heads of Missions and Diplomatic community, in a socially distant and safe environment."

Kazakh Envoy Yerlan Alimbayev, called the presentation "very informative..Government officials assured that India will make sure every country will get the right vaccine."

Venezuela's envoy's Coromoto Godoy echoed similar sentiments saying, "India being the country with the greatest capacity to produce and distribute the vaccine, it is wonderful that PM Modi has guaranteed to put these capacities at the service of humanity."

Elaborating, "We had the opportunity to hear about the progress of vaccines, the main ones being between phase II and phase III professing very well." She told WION that her government looks at India as of the country with which it can collaborate for mass production of its own vaccine, once WHO gives approval.

Asked on COVID vaccine detail by India, Kyrgystan's Envoy Asein Isaev said Indian officials said they are looking for vaccine "in the first quarter of next year".

"It was said that five vaccines are at different stages of development. Out of that three are entirely Indian", Sri Lanka's deputy high commissioner Niluka Kadurugamuwa told WION.

Ambassador of Denmark to India Freddy Svane described the briefing as a "great event. India has proven its capacity and capabilities." Bhutan's envoy to India, Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel also described the briefing as "very good and comprehensive".

Amidst the COVID pandemic, India reached out to 150 countries with anti-COVID medicines. It also sent food and medicine aid to 5 Indian ocean countries and to 4 African countries under its Sagar1 &amp; Sagar 2 mission.

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development.

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development. Ministry of external affairs will soon organize a tour of the head of diplomatic missions to its vaccine and diagnostic facilities in Pune. During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla speaking on the COVID vaccine said, "We are on track on the development and trial of vaccines. We are exploring the possibility of conducting phase III trials in a few of our partner countries." Adding, "We are also looking forward to researching collaboration in the field of vaccine development. Based on willingness, we may also go for joint production of vaccines in some countries." India has already conducted online training sessions for nearly 90 participants from 8 neighbouring countries to develop capacity in clinical trials and clinical practices. He reiterated PM Modi's commitment that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis", something PM had mentioned during his United Nations General Assembly address. Meanwhile, many of the foreign envoys speaking to WION welcomed the initiative by the MEA. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos called the briefing as "excellent..very informative and well prepared, with distinguished speakers from Health Sector." Further adding,"all of the Diplomatic Corp that attended were very grateful, pleased and interested in the subject. Kudos to Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Chief of Protocol, Nagesh Singh, for organizing this for the Heads of Missions and Diplomatic community, in a socially distant and safe environment." Kazakh Envoy Yerlan Alimbayev, called the presentation "very informative..Government officials assured that India will make sure every country will get the right vaccine." Venezuela's envoy's Coromoto Godoy echoed similar sentiments saying, "India being the country with the greatest capacity to produce and distribute the vaccine, it is wonderful that PM Modi has guaranteed to put these capacities at the service of humanity." Elaborating, "We had the opportunity to hear about the progress of vaccines, the main ones being between phase II and phase III professing very well." She told WION that her government looks at India as of the country with which it can collaborate for mass production of its own vaccine, once WHO gives approval. Asked on COVID vaccine detail by India, Kyrgystan's Envoy Asein Isaev said Indian officials said they are looking for vaccine "in the first quarter of next year". "It was said that five vaccines are at different stages of development. Out of that three are entirely Indian", Sri Lanka's deputy high commissioner Niluka Kadurugamuwa told WION. Ambassador of Denmark to India Freddy Svane described the briefing as a "great event. India has proven its capacity and capabilities." Bhutan's envoy to India, Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel also described the briefing as "very good and comprehensive". Amidst the COVID pandemic, India reached out to 150 countries with anti-COVID medicines. It also sent food and medicine aid to 5 Indian ocean countries and to 4 African countries under its Sagar1 & Sagar 2 mission.

Foreign envoys welcome MEA's COVID briefing; India to show its vaccine facility

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