India on Saturday became the first country in the world to administer DNA vaccine against COVID-19.

It comes as India recorded a reduction of 1,03,921 cases in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent, according to Union health ministry data.

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Bihar | Painless and Needleless ZYCOV-D Covid Vaccine launched in Patna 
 
Three doses will be given at intervals of 28 days and 56 days. This program has been started at 3 vaccination centers. It is good for people who are afraid of needles: Civil surgeon Dr Vibha Singh (04.03) <a href="https://t.co/bJ9JlidrZh">pic.twitter.com/bJ9JlidrZh</a>
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The Indian government approved emergency use authorisation for Zydus Cadila's DNA vaccine earlier this year, citing initial results from Phase III clinical trials that showed approximately 66 percent efficacy for symptomatic cases.

The ZyCoV-D,&nbsp;the world's first plasmid DNA vaccine,&nbsp;was produced by Ahmedabad-based vaccine manufacturer Zydus Cadila.

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The Drugs Controller General of India has given its permission for the vaccination to be given to children aged 12 to 17.

Unlike most COVID-19 vaccines, which need two doses or even a single dose, ZyCoV-D is administered in three doses with a gap of 28 and 56 days from the first dose respectively.

Zydus Cadila's vaccine, developed in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology, is the second home-grown shot to get emergency authorisation in India after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

According to health ministry officials, over 93 per cent of the adult population have received at least one dose while over 69.8 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

"As a result of the country's solidarity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's commitment during the Corona crisis that the country not only manufactured a vaccine but also inoculated a large part of the population in a very short time. This one year of vaccination campaign shows India's resolve," said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

With health workers going door-to-door to administer shots, Indian officials are carrying out a vaccination drive in remote parts of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India on Saturday became the first country in the world to administer DNA vaccine against COVID-19. It comes as India recorded a reduction of 1,03,921 cases in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

India on Saturday became the first country in the world to administer DNA vaccine against COVID-19. It comes as India recorded a reduction of 1,03,921 cases in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent, according to Union health ministry data. Bihar | Painless and Needleless ZYCOV-D Covid Vaccine launched in Patna Three doses will be given at intervals of 28 days and 56 days. This program has been started at 3 vaccination centers. It is good for people who are afraid of needles: Civil surgeon Dr Vibha Singh (04.03) pic.twitter.com/bJ9JlidrZh — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2022 × The Indian government approved emergency use authorisation for Zydus Cadila's DNA vaccine earlier this year, citing initial results from Phase III clinical trials that showed approximately 66 percent efficacy for symptomatic cases. The ZyCoV-D, the world's first plasmid DNA vaccine, was produced by Ahmedabad-based vaccine manufacturer Zydus Cadila. Also read | Vitamin D deficiency increases COVID-19 severity: Study The Drugs Controller General of India has given its permission for the vaccination to be given to children aged 12 to 17. Unlike most COVID-19 vaccines, which need two doses or even a single dose, ZyCoV-D is administered in three doses with a gap of 28 and 56 days from the first dose respectively. Zydus Cadila's vaccine, developed in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology, is the second home-grown shot to get emergency authorisation in India after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. According to health ministry officials, over 93 per cent of the adult population have received at least one dose while over 69.8 per cent have been fully vaccinated. "As a result of the country's solidarity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's commitment during the Corona crisis that the country not only manufactured a vaccine but also inoculated a large part of the population in a very short time. This one year of vaccination campaign shows India's resolve," said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. With health workers going door-to-door to administer shots, Indian officials are carrying out a vaccination drive in remote parts of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine

Pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila has started supplying its COVID-19 vaccine to the Indian government nearly six months after it had been authorized for emergency use.

Zydus Cadila begins supplying its COVID-19 vaccine to the Indian government

India has placed an order for 10 million doses of Zydus Cadila's DNA COVID-19 vaccine at a price of $3.57&nbsp;per dose, the drugmaker said on Monday.

The three-dose vaccine, ZyCoV-D, was approved by the country's drug regulator in August for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-travellers-now-allowed-to-enter-us-after-covaxin-gets-nod-by-who-426594">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian travellers now allowed to enter US after Covaxin gets nod by WHO</a>

As opposed to traditional syringes, it is administered using a needle-free "PharmaJet" applicator.

"The needle-free application of the vaccination, we hope, will motivate many more to vaccinate and safeguard themselves from COVID-19," Sharvil Patel, managing director of Zydus, said in a filing&nbsp;to the stock exchanges.

The total cost to the government to inoculate a person with the vaccine and the applicator would come up to $14.48.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-now-formally-recognises-two-made-in-india-vaccines-covaxin-and-covishield-425743">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia now formally recognises two made in India vaccines Covaxin and Covishield</a>

India has so far administered nearly 1.09 billion vaccine doses to its adult population, of which 88 per cent&nbsp;have received a version of AstraZeneca's shot by the Serum Institute of India, which sells it to the state governments at Rs 400 a dose and to private hospitals for Rs 600.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-vaccines-are-helping-prevent-long-covid-study-410188">Also Read |&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid: Study</a>

The two other shots used are a home-grown one by vaccine maker Bharat Biotech and Russia's Sputnik V. Bharat Biotech supplies its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose, while Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, the supplier of Sputnik V, has priced the shot at Rs 995.

The Rs 265&nbsp;price had been decided in consultation with the government, Zydus said.

India has placed an order for 10 million doses of Zydus Cadila's DNA COVID-19 vaccine at a price of $3.57 per dose, the drugmaker said on Monday. The three-dose vaccine, ZyCoV-D, was approved by the country's drug regulator in August for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

India has placed an order for 10 million doses of Zydus Cadila's DNA COVID-19 vaccine at a price of $3.57 per dose, the drugmaker said on Monday. The three-dose vaccine, ZyCoV-D, was approved by the country's drug regulator in August for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 years and above. Also Read: Indian travellers now allowed to enter US after Covaxin gets nod by WHO As opposed to traditional syringes, it is administered using a needle-free "PharmaJet" applicator. "The needle-free application of the vaccination, we hope, will motivate many more to vaccinate and safeguard themselves from COVID-19," Sharvil Patel, managing director of Zydus, said in a filing to the stock exchanges. The total cost to the government to inoculate a person with the vaccine and the applicator would come up to $14.48. Also Read: Australia now formally recognises two made in India vaccines Covaxin and Covishield India has so far administered nearly 1.09 billion vaccine doses to its adult population, of which 88 per cent have received a version of AstraZeneca's shot by the Serum Institute of India, which sells it to the state governments at Rs 400 a dose and to private hospitals for Rs 600. Also Read | Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid: Study The two other shots used are a home-grown one by vaccine maker Bharat Biotech and Russia's Sputnik V. Bharat Biotech supplies its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose, while Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, the supplier of Sputnik V, has priced the shot at Rs 995. The Rs 265 price had been decided in consultation with the government, Zydus said.

India set to buy Zydus Cadila's coronavirus vaccine

India has become the first country to approve the world's first DNA shot against the coronavirus. India's drug regulator has granted emergency use approval for Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children aged 12 years and above. It is the second homegrown covid-19 vaccine for India. Also the first approved covid-19 vaccine for children older than 12 in the country.

Big boost to India's vaccination programme, vaccine approved for over 12-year-olds

India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), has approved Zydus Cadila’s vaccine for emergency use in children aged above 12 years.

Zydus is a three-dose DNA vaccine and can be administered to anyone above the age of 12, as per the regulator. It is world's first Plasmid DNA vaccine.

As of now, the manufacturer is aiming to produce 100 to 120 million doses of the ZyCoV-D <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> annually, and has already started stockpiling the vaccine doses.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-will-die-if-countries-start-booster-shots-experts-claim-405342" hreflang="en">More people will die if countries start booster shots, experts claim</a>

Cadila Healthcare Ltd had applied for authorisation on July 01 and has received the approval on August 20. The manufacturer claims an efficacy rate of 66.6 per cent on basis of data collected from 28,000 volunteers from all around the country.

"This three-dose vaccine... when injected produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and elicits an immune response," the biotechnology department, which partnered with Zydus Cadila, said in a statement. "The plug-and-play technology on which the plasmid DNA platform is based can be easily adapted to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring."

ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body.

Zydus Cadilla has become the sixth in the country to be approved for adults but first to be approved for children. It is also the second indigenious vaccine to be approved in India.

As per reports, this is the first vaccine in India that offers a needle-free injector, which can hopefully help reduce the side effects of vaccine.

India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), has approved Zydus Cadila’s vaccine for emergency use in children aged above 12 years. Zydus is a three-dose DNA vaccine and can be administered to anyone above the age of 12, as per the regulator.

India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), has approved Zydus Cadila’s vaccine for emergency use in children aged above 12 years. Zydus is a three-dose DNA vaccine and can be administered to anyone above the age of 12, as per the regulator. It is world's first Plasmid DNA vaccine. As of now, the manufacturer is aiming to produce 100 to 120 million doses of the ZyCoV-D vaccine annually, and has already started stockpiling the vaccine doses. Also read : More people will die if countries start booster shots, experts claim Cadila Healthcare Ltd had applied for authorisation on July 01 and has received the approval on August 20. The manufacturer claims an efficacy rate of 66.6 per cent on basis of data collected from 28,000 volunteers from all around the country. "This three-dose vaccine... when injected produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and elicits an immune response," the biotechnology department, which partnered with Zydus Cadila, said in a statement. "The plug-and-play technology on which the plasmid DNA platform is based can be easily adapted to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring." ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body. Zydus Cadilla has become the sixth in the country to be approved for adults but first to be approved for children. It is also the second indigenious vaccine to be approved in India. As per reports, this is the first vaccine in India that offers a needle-free injector, which can hopefully help reduce the side effects of vaccine.

India approves Zydus Cadila’s three-dose vaccine for children

While hearing a plea based case on Friday, a&nbsp;division bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh observed, “It would be a disaster if vaccines are administered without trials that too in case of children.”

Tia Gupta, a minor, had filed a PIL seeking immediate vaccination for minors between 12 and 17 years of age.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-issues-guidelines-on-covid-19-in-children-says-remdesivir-not-recommended-390531">Indian govt issues guidelines on COVID-19 in children, says Remdesivir not recommended</a>

Based on this plea, an affidavit was submitted by the Centre which said that a government policy will be developed and children will be vaccinated once experts approve.

The Centre notified the High Court that clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines for children under 18 years of age are in progress and nearing completion.

Kailash Vasudev, appearing for the petitioner, argued that a specific timeline should be established for the completion of vaccine trials for children.

In response to which court officials warned that the case would be dismissed if the petitioner made such submissions. They added&nbsp;a timeline for the research was not possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-vaccine-to-be-tested-on-children-to-test-efficacy-363946">AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy</a>

The Centre informed the Delhi High Court that Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine may be available soon for children in the 12 to 18 year age group.

They added that while the trial of Zydus Cadila for children between the ages of 12 and 18 has been concluded, it is still subject to statutory approvals.

Earlier this month, the Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical firm sought emergency use approval for ZyCoV-D. World's first Plasmid DNA vaccine, it is administered in three doses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-step-up-measures-for-well-being-protection-of-children-during-covid-19-second-wave-sc-judge-383754">Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge</a>

However, India's drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is yet to approve the emergency use authorisation.&nbsp;

In addition, the affidavit claimed that vaccination is of the highest priority at the Center and that all endeavours are being made to reach 100 per cent vaccination in the shortest time possible while taking into account the availability of vaccine doses.

(With inputs from Agencies)

While hearing a plea based case on Friday, a division bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh observed, “It would be a disaster if vaccines are administered without trials that too in case of children.

While hearing a plea based case on Friday, a division bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh observed, “It would be a disaster if vaccines are administered without trials that too in case of children.” Tia Gupta, a minor, had filed a PIL seeking immediate vaccination for minors between 12 and 17 years of age. Also read | Indian govt issues guidelines on COVID-19 in children, says Remdesivir not recommended Based on this plea, an affidavit was submitted by the Centre which said that a government policy will be developed and children will be vaccinated once experts approve. The Centre notified the High Court that clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines for children under 18 years of age are in progress and nearing completion. Kailash Vasudev, appearing for the petitioner, argued that a specific timeline should be established for the completion of vaccine trials for children. In response to which court officials warned that the case would be dismissed if the petitioner made such submissions. They added a timeline for the research was not possible. Also read | AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy The Centre informed the Delhi High Court that Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine may be available soon for children in the 12 to 18 year age group. They added that while the trial of Zydus Cadila for children between the ages of 12 and 18 has been concluded, it is still subject to statutory approvals. Earlier this month, the Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical firm sought emergency use approval for ZyCoV-D. World's first Plasmid DNA vaccine, it is administered in three doses. Also read | Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge However, India's drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is yet to approve the emergency use authorisation. In addition, the affidavit claimed that vaccination is of the highest priority at the Center and that all endeavours are being made to reach 100 per cent vaccination in the shortest time possible while taking into account the availability of vaccine doses. (With inputs from Agencies)

Vaccinating children without clinical trials can be disastrous: Delhi HC

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days. ANI reported the development quoting sources.

"Subject Expert Committee (SEC) is expected to meet this week and will review the data. However, final approval for EUA will be given only after a few meetings," sources were quoted as saying.

It was further informed that the SEC will examine data submitted by Zydus Cadila for children above 12 years. But if data found to be satisfied then final approval from DCGI may be granted in few days.&nbsp;

ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body.

According to sources, the continuous and rolling review of data is ongoing and even if SEC meeting takes place this week then final approval will take few more days.Earlier, on Friday, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) of the NITI Aayog told ANI that a decision on the approval of Zydus Cadila`s COVID-19 vaccine is expected soon, adding that the data and evaluation would determine the outcome.ZyCoV-D is a three-dose COVID shot, the world`s first Plasmid DNA vaccine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days.

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days. ANI reported the development quoting sources. "Subject Expert Committee (SEC) is expected to meet this week and will review the data. However, final approval for EUA will be given only after a few meetings," sources were quoted as saying. It was further informed that the SEC will examine data submitted by Zydus Cadila for children above 12 years. But if data found to be satisfied then final approval from DCGI may be granted in few days. ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body. According to sources, the continuous and rolling review of data is ongoing and even if SEC meeting takes place this week then final approval will take few more days.Earlier, on Friday, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) of the NITI Aayog told ANI that a decision on the approval of Zydus Cadila`s COVID-19 vaccine is expected soon, adding that the data and evaluation would determine the outcome.ZyCoV-D is a three-dose COVID shot, the world`s first Plasmid DNA vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Zydus Cadila Covid vaccine may get approval, says report

Indian pharmaceutical firm Zydus Cadila announced that it has received emergency use approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for its antiviral drug Virafin.

India: New COVID drug gets regulator's nod

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine. The visit was part of his inspection of vaccine development in vaccine-hubs of India.

"At the Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad, was briefed about their indigenous Covid vaccine," Modi tweeted.

During his visit, PM Modi congratulated the scientists for the progress they made in the trial so far.

The Prime Minister met with the company officials in a conference hall and deliberated on the progress made in bringing out a vaccine.

Later, he also briefly interacted with a few employees.

Before flying to Hyderabad, PM Modi visited pharma major Zydus-Cadilla's work on vaccine development in Ahmedabad.

After his Hyderabad visit, PM Modi was due to fly to Pune for a visit to Serum Institute of India, the company that will manufacture coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca.

(With agency inputs)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine. The visit was part of his inspection of vaccine development in vaccine-hubs of India. "At the Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad, was briefed about their indigenous Covid vaccine," Modi tweeted. During his visit, PM Modi congratulated the scientists for the progress they made in the trial so far. The Prime Minister met with the company officials in a conference hall and deliberated on the progress made in bringing out a vaccine. Later, he also briefly interacted with a few employees. Before flying to Hyderabad, PM Modi visited pharma major Zydus-Cadilla's work on vaccine development in Ahmedabad. After his Hyderabad visit, PM Modi was due to fly to Pune for a visit to Serum Institute of India, the company that will manufacture coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca. (With agency inputs)

Bharat Biotech working with ICMR for speedy progress on vaccine: PM Modi

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 

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

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