ICMR has partnered with Bharat Biotech lnternational Limited (BBIL) to fast-track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (BBV152 COVID Vaccine) and its clinical trials were approved by DCGI by end of June.
This is the first indigenous vaccine being developed by lndia and is one of the top Priority projects which is being monitored at the top most level of the Government. The vaccine is derived from a strain of SARSCoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National lnstitute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine.
It is envisaged to launch the vaccine for public health use latest by 15th August 2020 after completion of all clinical trials. BBIL is working expeditiously to meet the target, however final outcome will depend on the cooperation of all clinical trial sites involved in this project.
There are 13 sites choosen for clinical research of COVID-19 vaccine. And ICMR said to all sites heads, "ln view of the public health emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic and urgency to launch the vaccine, you are strictly advised to fast track all approvals related to initiation of the clinical trial and ensure that the subject enrollment is initiated no later than 7th July 2020."
Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval for human clinical trials of COVAXIN, the first potential COVID-19 Vaccine developed in India. The potential vaccine has been developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, in association with Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
