DCGI approves ZyCoV-D vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has approved ZyCoV-D vaccine by Zydus Cadila for Emergency Use Authorization.

About:

• According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, ZyCoV-D vaccine is the world’s first and India’s indigenously developed DNA-based vaccine for COVID-19.
• It will be administered to humans including children and adults aged 12 years and more.

Who developed ZyCoV-D?

Zydus Cadila developed this vaccine in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology under Mission COVID Suraksha. It will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

About ZyCoV-D

It is a three-dose, DNA plasmid-based COVID-19 vaccine. When it is injected into the body, it produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and evokes an immune response. It thus plays a key role in protection from disease and viral clearance.

Can the vaccine deal with mutations?

Plasmid DNA platform of the vaccine is based on plug-and-play technology. It can be easily adapted to deal with mutations among virus.

Efficacy of the vaccine

The Phase-3 Clinical Trials for the vaccine was conducted in over 28 thousand volunteers. Result showed primary efficacy of 66.6 per cent in symptomatic RT-PCR positive cases. This was the largest vaccine trial in India for COVID-19, as of now.  Vaccine had already exhibited robust immunogenicity, tolerability and safety profile in adaptive Phase I and 2 clinical trials. Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials were monitored by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board.

About Zydus Cadila

Zydus Cadila is also known as Cadila Healthcare Limited. It is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company with its headquarter in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This company is primarily engaged in manufacturing generic drugs. Ramanbhai Patel founded this company in 1952.