Dr Jitendra lauds ‘Team Biotech’ for developing world’s first Nasal Vaccine
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh has lauded “Team Biotech” for developing the world’s first Nasal Vaccine.
He said, as Minister Incharge Science & Technology, he was proud of the fact that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) had made the major contribution in developing the world’s first Intranasal vaccine for Covid through Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).
Dr Jitendra gave full credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this possible and said PM Modi’s personal intervention and regular monitoring inspired and enabled the launching of “Mission Covid Suraksha” which has not only strengthened AtmaNirbhar Bharat but also bolstered India’s status as a worldwide vaccine development and manufacturing centre, thus showcasing the strength of India’s Science and Technology capabilities. It is a moment of great pride for every Indian, he said.
The Minister elaborated that the product development and clinical trials were funded by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC under “Mission Covid Suraksha”. This vaccine received approval under restricted use in emergency situations for ages 18 and above for primary two-dose schedule, homologous booster doses, he added.
The vaccine is a recombinant replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilised spike protein. This vaccine candidate was evaluated in Phases I, II and III clinical trials with successful results. It has been specifically formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops. The vaccine is stable at 2-8°C for easy storage and distribution.
Pertinent to mention that earlier, ZyCoV-D, the world’s first and India’s indigenously developed DNA based vaccine for Covid-19 to be administered in humans including children and adults 12 years and above was also developed in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in the Ministry of Science & Technology under ‘Mission Covid Suraksha’ through BIRAC, a PSU of DBT.
