Pune: The deadly Coronavirus has infected over 15 million people in the world. To combat this virus many countries are performing various vaccine research to find a solution. The Oxford-Astrazeneca joint collaboration vaccine has shown a very good shield immunity response against Covid-19. According to a report, Oxford’s AZD122 will be called “Covishield” in India.
As per the latest development, the vaccine “Covishield” is all set to be manufactured in Pune based Serum institute of India.
The promising trial results were published by Oxford a few days back. The vaccine is now believed to be in the third phase of human clinical trials.
According to the reports, Executive Director of Serum Institute, Suresh Jadhav said “the company has already begun to manufacture the vaccine for use in India, the company intends to make 2-3 million doses by the end of August.”
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, stated that the company is going to manufacture billions of doses of vaccine which will not cater in India only but will be helpful to other low-income countries.
“Serum Institute of India has entered a manufacturing partnership with AstraZeneca to produce and supply 1 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University. These vaccines will be for India and middle and low-income countries across the world (GAVI countries),” Adar Poonawalla told news agency PTI.
Although this vaccine’s tremendous response in the clinical trial raises hopes of early availability in the market, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert said their first use cannot be expected until early 2021.
“Several vaccines are now in Phase 3 trials and none have failed, so far, in terms of safety or ability to generate an immune response. Realistically, it is going to be the first part of next year before we start seeing people getting vaccinated,” Reuters quoted said Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, as saying.
The price of the vaccine will be Rs. 1000, keeping in mind that the vaccine shall reach to people of all sectors and class. The vaccine will likely hit the marker in early 2021.