VG Somani, Comptroller General of Drugs of India (DCGI), in a webinar on Thursday indicated that India was close to approving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Mr. Somani was participating in a webinar, organized by the Department of Biotechnology, in which vaccine experts, infectious disease experts and representatives of companies developing vaccines discussed the COVID vaccine development and preparation from India.
“We will probably have a Happy New Year with something in hand,” he said while discussing the regulatory process, as well as involving academics, industry and infectious disease experts at work to develop vaccine candidates.
On Friday, the Subject Matter Expert Committee, which is an expert body of the DCGI, which is examining applications from companies developing vaccines in India, is expected to review applications from the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat. Biotech (BB) for emergencies. authorization of use. By virtue of this, companies are granted permission to market the vaccine even if they have not provided all the evidence normally required to establish the safety and efficacy of the product.
IBS has partnered with AstraZeneca to launch the Oxford vaccine, which was approved by the UK health authorities on Wednesday. Both IBS had BB and are testing the vaccine in ongoing phase 3 trials in India, the results of which have yet to be published.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also suggested Thursday that a vaccine was on hand.
“Before, I said, ‘Dawai nahi toh dheelai nahi ‘ (No laxity until a cure is found). Now i’m saying ‘Dawai bhi aur kadaai bhi’ (Along with medicine, be vigilant). Our mantra for the year 2021 is’Dawai bhi aur kadaai bhi ‘”He said after laying the foundation stone for the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences in Rajkot via video conference.
Stating that India is preparing to implement the largest vaccination program in the world, the Prime Minister said that India has become the nerve center of global health. He also warned against rumors about COVID vaccination.
“Different people for their personal gain or irresponsible behavior spread various rumors. Perhaps rumors will spread when the vaccination begins, some have already started, ”he said.
“I appeal to the people of the country so that the fight against COVID-19 is against an unknown enemy. Beware of such rumors and, as responsible citizens, refrain from forwarding messages on social media without verifying it, ”Modi said.
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