TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on – Jul 30, 2020, 17: 46 IST
01/6Status of Oxford Coronavirus vaccine trials in India
Ever since positive news about Oxford-AstraZeneca developed COVID-19 vaccine came to light, Serum Institute of India (SII) has been in the centre of production. The leading vaccine manufacturer has announced ambitious plans of scaling up vaccine production in the country, reserving a big percentage of doses for the population to meet the need. The company has also sought licensing from government authorities to start Phase II and III trials in the country. Research centres are also being readied for the same.
02/6Serum Institute of India to conduct trials, asked to revise protocols
While the initial licensing and approvals are being overseen by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India, the private vaccine manufacturer based out of Pune has been asked to submit revised protocols regarding the clinical trials of the experimental vaccine, AD-1222 in India.
03/6What is Serum Institute of India’s role in vaccine development?
Serum Institute of India had partnered with drug manufacturer AstraZeneca to conduct part of the phase III trials in India and simultaneously conduct phase II trials of the novel vaccine under development. As per earlier plans, the vaccine company planned to test the vaccine on 4000 to 5000 people in the selected trial centres across Pune and Mumbai so as to see whether the vaccine provides sufficient immune response. The trials were expected to take place between the months of August to December.
According to reports, the company has planned to perform a randomized, blind controlled study on participants to test the safety and immunogenicity response of the vaccine, which will be called ‘Covishield’ in India.
Serum Institute to manufacture millions of doses
By ramping up production, the Pune-based company would be able to manufacture upwards of 20