India begins human trials of COVID-19 vaccines

On July 13, 2020, the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Patna began human trials of COVID-19 on 10 volunteers.

Highlights

The first dose was given to selected 10 people though several volunteered. The second dose is to be given after interval of 14 days. A total of three doses of vaccine is to be provided to the volunteers. The doses are being given according to the guidelines set by Indian Council of Medical Research

Background

The vaccine was jointly developed by Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech International Limited, National Institute of Virology, Pune in collaboration with ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research).

AIIMS Patna is one of the 12 medical institutes in the country shortlisted by ICMR to conduct human trials of the vaccine. The vaccine was called COVAXIN

COVAXIN

The COVAXIN was developed using SARSCOV2 strain virus that was isolated in National Institute of Virology. The strain was then transferred to Bharat Biotech.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020