PUNE BASED FIRM SEEKS PERMISSION FOR VACCINE TRIAL ON 1,600 PARTICIPANTS! LAUNCH DATE, PRICE AND OTHER DETAILS

Serum Institute of India which has partnered with U.K. and Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca PLC to produce the vaccine being developed by Oxford University. The Pune- based firm has sought permission to conduct human trials of the vaccine in India. The vaccine showed promising results in early human trials. 

Serum Institute submitted an application to Drug Controller General of India on Friday seeking permission to conduct trials of ‘Covidshield.’

"According to the application, it would conduct an observer-blind, randomized controlled study to determine the safety and immunogenicity of 'Covidshield' (Covid-19) in healthy Indian adults. The firm said that an around 1,600 participants of more than 18 years would be enrolled in the study," Bloomberg quint cited in its report. 

Initial results of the trials which were conducted in the U.K. showed that the vaccine is safe to use and has increased the antibody responses in volunteers.

"Serum Institute of India has entered a manufacturing partnership with AstraZeneca to produce and supply one billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University,” Poonawalla had said earlier. Reportedly, the vaccine will be available for less than Rs.1000. He also stated that this vaccine is going to be available for India and other middle- and low-income countries across the globe. The company is planning to commence the second and third human trials of the vaccine in India by August.