ICMR eyes indigenous vaccine by Aug 15

New Delhi, July 3

The Indian Council of Medical Research today said it was eyeing an August 15 launch for India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine — COVAXIN — inviting a sharp reaction from scientists.

In a letter to 13 principal investigators of the clinical trials for the vaccine, ICMR chief Balram Bhargava directed fast-tracking of approvals needed to initiate the trials and warned against laxity.

“The ICMR has partnered with Bharat Biotech International Ltd to fast-track clinical trials of indigenous Covid-19 vaccine BBV152 COVID. This is a top-priority project for the government being monitored at the highest level. It is envisaged to launch the vaccine for public use latest by August 15 after the completion of clinical trials,” said the letter.

The letter asked investigators to ensure subject enrolment “no later than July 7, 2020”. “In view of the public health emergency, you are strictly advised to fast-track all approvals related to initiation of clinical trial…. Non-compliance will be viewed very seriously,” it said. Scientists, however, said the timeline was a “bit too much” since the Drug Controller gave Phase 1 and 2 human trial approvals on June 29 and the ICMR seeks to launch it in 45 days. Health policy researcher Anant Bhan said the claim was “highly unlikely”, while virologist T Jacob John called it “optimistic but unrealistic.”

Meanwhile, India’s caseload today rose to 6,25,544 with record 20,903 infections over 24 hours. In a positive sign, the recovery rate surged past 60 per cent. — TNS