Bharat Biotech may begin pediatric trials of India’s indigenous covid-19 vaccine Covaxin from June, said Dr. Raches Ella, Business Development and International Advocacy Head, on Sunday (May 23, 2021).
During a virtual conference with the members of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), Hyderabad, Dr. Raches Ella informed that the company will now be shifting its focus from development to increasing manufacturing capacity. The company aims to produce 700 million doses by the end of the year. He also stated that vaccines for kids are likely to get the license in the third quarter of this year.
Earlier last week, Drugs Controller General of India, Venugopal G. Somani, permitted the phase II/III clinical trial of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin Covid-19 Vaccine in the age group of 2-18 years. He further said that the company expects approval from the World Health Organization for Covaxin by the end of the third or fourth quarter.
The young executive of Bharat Biotech further stated “We are happy to have the full support of the government because of which we are able to stand where we are today in this journey. The vaccine is co-developed by us and ICMR. The Government placed an advanced purchase order of Rs.1500 crores. This will help us to increase our risk appetite. That is why we are expanding to Bangalore and Gujarat”.
Dispelling myths about vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Raches Ella explained that whenever a foreign body enters our body is likely to generate a few reactions and the same is the case with vaccines and this is why we have side effects. He further assured that vaccines are safe and must be taken by everyone.
When questioned about why people were getting infected even after taking the second dose of the vaccine, Dr. Raches replied saying that the first dose only gives partial efficiency. The immune system takes time to develop. The severity of Covid will be significantly less after the second dose.
Talking about distribution he said that presently they are allowed to sell vaccines to the Union Government, the State Government, and Private Hospitals in the ratio of 70:20:10.
