They advise against Covaxin, they say there is no evidence of efficacy.
Several experts have raised concerns about the “rush approval” given to COVID-19 vaccines despite the lack of adequate efficacy data.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization approved on Sunday the restricted emergency use of Oxford’s COVID-19 Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII), and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine, developed in the country.
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“I am not entirely aware of any data to suggest that Covaxin has any efficacy against any strain of SARS-CoV-2, let alone the UK strain,” Gagandeep Kang, professor at Christian Medical College, Vellore, said in an interview. to CNBC. TV18.
A physician and chief researcher at a laboratory affiliated with a government research laboratory also expressed reservations. “At this point, I would not recommend Covaxin. All we seem to know is that it is safe and therefore may not be harmful, but efficacy is a different matter and must be demonstrated, “said the expert requesting anonymity.
Scientific logic
“For the sake of transparency, we ask that the regulator share the detailed justification or decision along with the disclosure of the data … We are puzzled to understand what scientific logic has motivated the top experts at the SEC (Expert Committee on the materia) to approve this vaccine (Covaxin) in a hurry, ”Malini Aisola of the All India Drug Action Network said in a statement.
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However, Randeep Guleria, director of the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, referred to covaxin as a “backup vaccine” and added that it should be used if it is not clear how effective the IBS vaccine would be.
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