Team Biotech develops world’s first intranasal vaccine for COVID: Jitendra Singh

Appreciating the team for their efforts, the Minister said that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC) have developed the world’s first intranasal vaccine for COVID through Bharat Biotech International made a major contribution to the development. Ltd. (BBIL).

Singh said this has been possible due to the personal intervention and regular monitoring of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This made possible the launch of Mission Covid Suraksha, which strengthened Atmanirbhar Bharat and cemented India’s position as a vaccine development and manufacturing hub across the world. It showcased India’s science and technology capabilities.”

He said that the product development and clinical trials under Mission Covid Suraksha have been funded by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC. “This vaccine received approval under restricted use in emergency situations for primary two-dose schedule, homogeneous booster dose in adults 18 years of age and older.”

“National Institute of Immunology (NII) New Delhi, an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, has developed its human immune surveillance and T-cell immunoassay platform to investigate vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2-specific systemic and mucosal cellular immune responses. used. trial participants,” the Ministry of Science and Technology said.

Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Pune (supported by DBT BIRAC) completed “Plaque Reduction Neutralization Assay” (PRNT) to quantify the titer of neutralizing antibodies to the virus from three test sites.

The vaccine is a recombinant replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. “This vaccine candidate was evaluated in Phase I, II and III clinical trials with successful results. It is specially formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops. Ministry That said, the vaccine is stable at 2-8°C for easy storage and distribution.