The coronavirus infection numbers in the world have almost reached the 15 million mark. And the world is in need of a coronavirus vaccine now more than ever. Currently, there are 7 approved coronavirus vaccine candidates carrying out human trials. Out of these, 2 of them are indigenous Indian vaccines.
Earlier this month, a pharmaceutical giant named Zydus Cadila had gained approval from ICMR to begin the human trials for their vaccine. Zydus Cadila has developed a coronavirus vaccine named “ZyCoV-D” and will be carrying out the human trials on 1000 volunteers. One of the sites where the said trials are believed to be undertaken, is Ahemdabad.
In an interview, Zydus Cadila Chairman, Pankaj Patel, said,”We are looking at seven or a little more than seven months for the vaccine, provided the data is encouraging and the vaccine is proven to be effective during trials.”
Zydus Cadia Chairman pointed out that the late human trials for the coronavirus vaccine should be completed by the end of February or March next year. He said that the company is capable of manufacturing 100 million doses a year initially.
He further added, “We are also open to discussing partnerships with pharma companies in various geographies, but it is a bit premature right now and we will be doing so at the end of Phase I and Phase II trials.” Zydus Cadila aims to complete the early phase of human trials in the next three months.
Furthermore, after witnessing the effectiveness of a drug named remdesvir on severe coronavirus patients, Zydus Cadila has decided to manufacture it. The company received permission from U.S. firm Gilead Sciences, last month, to begin manufacturing the drug. Zydus Cadila claims that it can manufacture 400,000 doses of remdesvir in the first month after it receives the nod to manufacture it in India.
With such promising news, it won’t be wrong to say that India is a vital cog in the wheel of developing and manufacturing a coronavirus vaccine.