Zydus Cadila seeks nod for needle-free vaccine

Box: World’s first

The DNA platform-based shot produces spike protein of Covid, causing virus and triggering immune response

It has a needle-free application system

The vaccine storage is at 2-8 degree Celsius

It is 66.6 per cent effective in symptomatic cases, 100% in moderate

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 1

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila on Thursday said it had applied to the drug regulator for emergency use authorisation of its three-dose ZyCoV-D Covid-19 vaccine, the world’s first plasmid DNA-based shot.

Shravil Patel, MD, said the vaccine had undergone one of the country’s largest clinical trials. The ZyCoV-D is a three-dose regime as against the currently available two-dose shots.

Zydus Cadila calls it “a no-injection” vaccine, saying it had a needle-free application system. The vaccine is also the first in India to be tested among youngsters in the 12-18 age group, with the company saying it was safe for children.