LATEST UPDATES ON CORONA VACCINE: OXFORD VACCINE TO REACH INDIA SOONER! HERE'S WHY

The vaccine which is being developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is in the final stage of testing. The vaccine was declared to be safe and promising as per the early- stage results. Vaccine makers are now progressing towards phase three, which is the most crucial stage of testing. Astra Zeneca has partnered with private firm Serum Institute of India to produce doses of the vaccine candidate in India. 

Serum Institute of India recently sought regulatory license for the vaccine. According to a study published on July 20, the vaccine AZD1222 is safe, well- tolerated and immunogenic. While few negative takeaways too were highlighted, this vaccine candidate is leading in the global vaccine race and is likely to be the first one to be launched globally. 

According to healthcare professionals, ample amount of testing needs to be done to ensure that the vaccine is safe to use. "This is an essential step because it is necessary to have data within the country before the vaccine is administered to Indians", said Ms Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was quoted speaking to an agency recently.

SII has sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting Phase 2 and 3 of human clinical trials of the vaccine.

Picking locations for trials is one of the important aspects of testing. “The vaccine maker, one of the biggest globally detailed on their plans to conduct trials before commercially launching it. The vaccine will be administered to 4000 to 5000 people in the selected trial centres across Pune and Mumbai, as of right now to determine whether it delivers the right immune response or carries potential side-effects,” Times of India reported.

Reportedly, the trials are likely to begin in the first weeks of August and conclude by the end of DE ember. Serum Institute has increased its production so that it has millions of doses available once the vaccine gets approved for usage.