Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila can become India’s second indigenously-developed jab after Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and fourth vaccine candidate as they are likely to apply for the emergency use of their covid vaccine- ZyCoV-D in the next few days.
“We are looking to submit the data by the end of May and eventually look for an approval,” said Zydus MD Sharvil Patel.
The vaccine is currently under third phase trials and will submit their report to Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) by the end of this month.
DGCI gave a nod to Zydus Cadila to begin phase-3 clinical trials of their vaccine — ZyCoV-D — on around 30,000 volunteers. The vaccine has been found safe, immunogenic and well-tolerated in phase-1 and phase-2 clinical trials.
The vaccine uses genetically engineered plasmids, which are a type of DNA molecule that exist outside of the cell. The molecule is coded with an antigen, that are substances that instruct the body to generate antibodies. They can be easily stored at 2-8 degree celsius.
“The plasmid DNA is introduced into the host cells, where it is translated into the viral protein and elicits a strong immune response mediated by the cellular and humoral arms of the human immune system. This plays a vital role in protection from disease as well as viral clearance,” told Pankaj R. Patel, the chairman of Zydus Cadila.
Zydus aims to produce 24 crore doses a year and the vaccine is expected to be available in the market as soon it is approved.
