Nation

India develops world’s first intra-nasal vaccine for Covid, restricted use allowed

In another path-breaking development in medical field, India has developed world’s first intra-nasal vaccine for Covid 19. The vaccine has also got approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for restricted use in emergency situations in the age group of 18 and above. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the vaccine has received approval from CDSCO for heterologous booster doses.

Subsuming of 14 autonomous institutions

Hailing the development, Dr Singh also approved subsuming of 14 autonomous institutions of DBT to create one apex autonomous body- Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) for achieving centralized and unified governance to maximize impact of biotech research. The Minister chaired the Annual General Body Meeting of the Societies of Autonomous Institutions of DBT at National Institute of Immunology in Delhi.

Foster synergies while maintaining distinctiveness

The minister said BRIC will build on the foundations developed at the DBT institutions to foster synergies while maintaining their distinct research mandates and undertake cutting edge research addressing national priorities. Merging the 14 societies of biotechnology institutes into a single society in the interest of convenient functioning, cost-effectiveness and integrated working, is also a historic decision.

Bharat Biotech International Limited

The minister lauded the role of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC) for supporting the development of world’s first Intra-nasal vaccine for Covid by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL). The product development and clinical trials were funded by the department of biotechnology, Government of India and BIRAC under the Mission Covid Suraksha Program. This vaccine received approval under restricted use in emergency situations for ages 18 and above for primary 2 dose schedule, homologous booster doses.

Strengthening of AtmaNirbhar Bharat

India’s efforts through Mission Covid Suraksha has not only strengthened AtmaNirbhar Bharat, but also bolstered India’s status as a worldwide vaccine development and manufacturing center, showcasing the strength of science and technology. It is a matter of great pride for the country, the minister added.

Studies conducted for safety

Phase-III trials were conducted for safety and immunogenicity in 3100 subjects, in 14 trial sites across India. Heterologous booster dose studies were conducted for safety and immunogenicity in 875 subjects, where a booster dose (3rd dose) of BBV154 intranasal vaccine was administered to study participants who were previously vaccinated with licensed COVID vaccines.

Clinical trials conducted in 9 trial sites

The clinical trials were conducted in 9 trial sites across India. National Institute of Immunology (NII), an autonomous institute of DBT in New Delhi utilized their ‘Human Immune Monitoring and T-cell Immunoassay Platform’ to examine the vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2-specific systemic and mucosal cellular immune responses the trial participants. Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Pune (supported by BIRAC) completed the ‘Plaque Reduction Neutralization Assay’ (PRNT) to quantify the titer of neutralizing antibody for the virus from three trial sites.

Vaccine has the double benefit

This vaccine has the double benefit of enabling faster development of variant-specific vaccines and easy nasal delivery that enables mass immunization to protect from emerging variants of concern. It promises to become an important tool in mass vaccinations during pandemics and endemics.

A recombinant replication deficient adenovirus

Vaccine is a recombinant replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized 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 nasal delivery system has been designed and developed to be cost-effective in low- and middle-income countries. This vaccine is stable at 2-8°C for easy storage and distribution. Large manufacturing capabilities have been established by Bharat Biotech at multiple sites across India, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with operations pan India.

A larger goal to enhance scientific character

Dr Jitendra Singh explained that the restructuring of DBT institutes is being carried out with a larger goal to enhance the scientific character and science outcomes at the institutes by building research synergies, new education programs in line with National Education Policy, improving human resource structures across cadres and effective management and monetization of assets emanating from the research being carried out.

Emphasis on interdisciplinary interactions

The move is expected to further build on the foundations developed at the DBT institutions to foster synergies while maintaining their distinct research mandates. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary interactions that cut across institutional boundaries, BRIC institutes will undertake cutting edge research addressing national priorities.

 

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