Zydus receives EUA from DCGI for ZyCoV-D, the only

 Zydus receives EUA from DCGI for ZyCoV-D, the only 

needle-free COVID vaccine in the world

·         World’s first Plasmid DNA Vaccine for COVID-19, ZyCoV-D will be administered in three doses.

·         Apart from adults, for the first time adolescents in the age group of 12-18 years will take the vaccine shot in India.

·         Safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of the vaccine is well established.

·         Company begins stockpiling of the vaccine.

 

Zydus Cadila today announced that the company has received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for ZyCoV-D the world’s first Plasmid DNA Vaccine for COVID-19. ZyCoV-D is a three dose vaccine which will be administered first on day zero, day 28th and then on the 56th day. With this approval, India now has its first COVID-19 vaccine for the adolescents in the 12-18 age group, besides the adult population. ZyCoV-D, is a needle-free vaccine administered using The PharmaJet^® a needle free applicator, which ensures painless intradermal vaccine delivery.

This is for the first time that a technologically advanced vaccine has been successfully developed on the Plasmid DNA platform for human use. The platform because of its rapid plug and play technology can be easily adapted to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring. The company plans to manufacture 10-12 crore doses of ZyCoV-D annually. 

Speaking on this development, Mr. Pankaj R. Patel, Chairman, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., said “This is a historic milestone with ZyCoV-D, a product of Indian innovation becoming the world’s first DNA vaccine being offered for human use and supporting the world’s largest immunization drive. We are particularly happy that our vaccine will contribute to this fight against COVID-19 and enable the country to vaccinate a larger population especially in the age group of 12-18 years. I would like to thank all the researchers, clinical trial investigators, volunteers and the regulators who have supported this endeavour.”

The company also plans to seek approval for the two dose regimen of the vaccine. The main advantage of DNA vaccines is their ability to stimulate both the humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune system. They are a valuable form of antigen-specific immunotherapy, as they are safe, stable and can be easily produced.

Zydus acknowledges the support of National Biopharma Mission, BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research and PharmaJet® in the development of ZyCoV-D vaccine.

National Internet Exchange of India to bear

 National Internet Exchange of India to bear COVID Vaccine cost for employees and their dependents

 

India is currently battling one of the worst outbreaks of the covid-19 pandemic that's seen its medical infrastructure crumble, Nation Internet Exchange of India has announced that it will cover the COVID-19 vaccination cost for all its employees and their eligible immediate family members. The company is already in advanced discussion with private service providers for vaccination.

Mr Anil Kumar Jain, CEO – NIXI shared his view on the initiative, “We are delighted to announce that NIXI has decided to bear COVID-19 vaccination costs across the company. NIXI cares about its employees and their loved ones, while this vaccine is voluntary, it is also one of the effective parts to fight against the COVID-19 virus. We encourage our employees and their dependents to take the vaccine and fight against the COVID-19 virus.”

CREDIA: Government announces vaccination for citizens above 18

 “CREDAI welcomes Government's announcement allowing States to procure COVID vaccine directly from the open market and allowing opening up of vaccination for citizens above 18 from 01 May which is inline with CREDAI’s recommendation. 

Migrant workers & young population of our country are the backbone of economy and will be happy to take the shot. I hope that we vaccinate at a much faster pace and put the wheels of our economy back on track.”

SpiceJet and visuals on

SpiceJet and visuals on vaccine consignment:

 “I am happy to share that SpiceJet has carried India’s first consignment of Covid vaccine today. The first consignment of Covishield consisting of 34 boxes and weighing 1088 kg was carried from Pune to Delhi on SpiceJet flight 8937. 

We will be carrying multiple vaccine consignments to different Indian cities including Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Patna and Vijayawada through the day today. SpiceJet is fully committed and prepared to transport the Covid vaccine both within and outside India. 

 Today marks the beginning of a long and decisive phase in India’s fight against the pandemic and SpiceJet is proud to assist in the biggest vaccination drive in the history of mankind,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet.