THD NewsDesk, New Delhi: Russia has reached out to India to seek collaboration on the making of Sputnik V, alleged to be one of the first vaccines of COVID-19 to make significant progress. It also seeks to conduct the phase 3 trial in India with due permission.
Center had reached outs to firms and said there had been mobility from both ends already. The regulator will also facilitate phase 3 or bridging studies on Indian patients for the Russian vaccine.
India is working for large scale production of the vaccine along with preparation to start the Phase 3 trial in Indian patients.
Chairman of the National Covid-19 Vaccine Administration Taskforce VK Paul on Tuesday said India had weighed the Russian offer of manufacturing of the vaccine by Indian firms as well as phase 3 trials or bridging studies very carefully. The government has reached out to several firms for manufacturing of the Russian candidate, and around three firms have already shown interest while many others are evaluating the opportunity.
Paul also added,
“The phase 3 or bridging studies would be facilitated by the regulator. We can consider the same model (similar to Serum) for the Russian candidate which will then undergo Phase 3 trials on Indian volunteers.”
Last week, Lancet, published the first peer-reviewed data based on the results of Phase 1 and phase 2 trials of the vaccine. It shows the presence of an antibody in all the early participants of the trial, which gives optimism for safety and no adverse effect yet.
The Indian government has guaranteed a “win-win” situation for the country. Serum Institute alone can make up to 100 million vaccine doses in a month, which would be very helpful.