First indigenously developed Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine Approved by DCGI

The first-ever completely home-grown Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India. The vaccine has been developed by Serum Institute of India, Pune. Serum Institute of India is also involved in the development of COVID 19 vaccine.

The DCGI had given approval earlier to Serum Institute of India to conduct clinical trials in India in three phases. The trials were carried out by the organization and another trial was also conducted in the Gambia. The data was submitted and further reviewed by the DCGI with the help of the Special Expert Committee for vaccines. Once it was approved, Serum Institute has now been given the permission to manufacture the vaccines for the general public.

What is Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine?

This vaccine is going to provide immunity to the infants against invasive ailments and pneumonia caused due to ‘Streptococcus Pneumoniae’. This is going to be administered in an intramuscular manner to the children. It is already in use in various other countries such as UK, USA etc. for the treatment of infections caused by different types of pneumococcus bacteria.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020