Two Vaccines in India to start clinical trial for COVID-19: ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that two vaccines developed in India are going to undergo trial from July 2020. The organization has decided to rope in 1000 volunteers for this purpose, at the earliest. These vaccines have already undergone animal trials and have shown successful results.

The vaccines have been developed by Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India. Other countries such as, Russia, China, USA and UK have also fast-tracked the process to get the vaccine ready for COVID-19 as the tally is increasing by leaps and bounds every day.

COVID-19

It is a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus – 2 (SARS CoV 2). It has been designated as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization in January 2020. As of now, 216 countries and territories in the world have been affected due to this and around 13.1 million people have been diagnosed with this. The virus can spread through close contact, mostly by droplets produced after coughing, sneezing and talking. Common symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, loss of sense, shortness of breath etc.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Indian Council of Medical Research is the apex body for biomedical research in India and it is funded by the Government of India. It comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association, it was renamed as ICMR in 1949.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020