The results of phase I and II trials of Oxford Vaccine candidate ‘AZD1222’ has been released and has shown a sign of hope in 2020.
Highly mysterious novel coronavirus which is spreading at a higher rate day by day and number of positives to this infection from around the globe is approaching closer to 15 million. Amidst all these disruptions, the good news is that out of 155+ vaccines, 3 vaccines have reached Phase III clinical trials.
According to Lancet media reports, the Oxford vaccine is found secure for human use. Richard Horton, the editor of ‘The Lancet’, a UK-based journal mentioned that the vaccine is safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic. Phase III of the human trial is the final try-out stage where medical practitioners check out on thousands of volunteers with vaccine candidate to understand if the vaccine provides proper and effective protection from coronavirus. As of now the vaccines developed by the University of Oxford have come up to phase III of human trial.
The phase I trials of Oxford Vaccine proved the vaccine to be promising and useful. This vaccine which is developed by Oxford Jenner Institute has also proved that it can provide double protection against the virus. This vaccine triggers the production of antibodies and “Killer –Tcells” in the body. This vaccine has been made using the genetic material of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 combined with a weakened version of adenovirus. Adenoviruses cause common cold in chimpanzees. Serum Institute of India will begin the human try –out of the Oxford Vaccine in August. Currently, the phase III trials of this vaccine is going on to get more clear proof of how effective and efficient the vaccine is.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII stated, “At present, we are working on the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine which is undergoing phase III clinical trials. In addition to this, we will also start human trials in India in August 2020. Based on the current situation and most recent updates on the clinical trials, we are hoping that the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine will be available towards the end of this year.”
Thirty different Indian companies are trying to bring a vaccine out of which WHO has given approval for seven vaccine candidates. As of now India is a leading vaccine producer and has developed several vaccines in the past. List of vaccines being locally developed and produced are:
1.COVAXIN
2. Zydus Cadila’s ZyCoV-D
3. Indian Immunologicals Limited
4.Mynvax
5. Astra Zeneca –Serum Institute of India
6.Panacea Biotec
7.Biological E
At present, clinical trials of COVAXIN is to begin soon in AIMS Delhi. COVAXIN is the first vaccine to be recognized and accepted for testing. Also, Biological E is an upcoming vaccine among these.
Reference: Times of India
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