In a bid to expand the vaccine basked, DCGI gave approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The COVID-19 vaccine will be important by pharma major Cipla. With Moderna added to the vaccine basket, India has now 4 vaccines in its fight against the deadly virus – Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V & Moderna.
Details
In a significant development coming straight from the India’s drug controller body, US vaccine manufacturer has received approval for restricted EUA (emergency use authorisation) for its COVID-19 vaccines. Since early morning of June 29, there were murmurs about the development. Later in the afternoon, Dr. VK Paul, of Niti Aayog was quoted by ANI in a tweet saying-
“New drug permission has been granted to Moderna, the first internationally developed vaccine. This new drug permission is for restricted use.”
New drug permission has been granted to Moderna, the first internationally developed vaccine. This new drug permission is for restricted use: Dr. VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog pic.twitter.com/c84VWDL4GZ
— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2021
The vaccine will be imported and distributed by India’s very own pharma giant Cipla. After the development which emerged today, India’s vaccine basked now holds 4 COVID-19 vaccines. With the amplified efforts made by the Centre in the recent few days, and the new vaccine’s introduction, India can vaccine its population at a much faster pace.
Also Read: Deepika Kumari regains world no. 1 ranking as she bags hat-trick of gold medals at WC Stage 3
How does the Moderna vaccine work?
Unlike the current three vaccines available in the widespread vaccination drive in India, the Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA-based vaccines. These new vaccines work relatively different than the other vaccines. In mRNA vaccine, a genetic code to our cells is delivered.
The cells than make a protein that triggers our body’s immune system. Subsequentially, the body then produces antibodies that are immune to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or as we call it, COVID-19.
Moderna’s vaccine will be the first mRNA-based vaccine that will be available to India. Other than Moderna, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines also work on a similar concept.
Also Read: India’s Aditi gets Rs. 22 lakhs bug bounty from Microsoft; Started with Hacking Neighbour’s WiFi
What is the efficacy of Moderna vaccine?
To an absolute delight to the Indian populous that still remains largely unvaccinated, the Moderna vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1% against COVID-19, starting after 14 days from receiving the first dose. This data came after a large trial was conducted in the USA in 2020 where 30,420 adult volunteers were administered the vaccine.
Also Read: Agni Prime: India Successfully Launched Nuclear Capable Agni-Prime missile with 2000 km Range
Is Moderna vaccine effective against Delta variants of COVID-19?
According to MedicalNewsToday, a leading medical news platform, the mRNA-based vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna, are highly effective against the new variants. Against the Delta variant, which originated from India, the Moderna vaccine is 88% effective.
According to World Health Organization, the new variants of COVID-19, which includes B.1.1.7 (Delta) and 501Y.V2 (Beta variant), do not change the efficacy of the Moderna vaccines.
Also Read: Pfizer can supply 5 crore doses of vaccine to India only if these terms and conditions are met
Cipla Applies to DCGI
On Monday this week, Cipla was reported to have filed an application to the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) seeking permission for Moderna vaccine’s import. Further, a notice dated June 1 also stated that if the vaccine is approved for emergency approval by the USFDA, the vaccine can be pushed for market authorization without the bridging trials.
India Overtakes USA in Number of Doses Administered
On Monday, the Health Ministry took to Twitter to share that India has overtaken USA in the total number of vaccines administered till date. So far, India has administered 32,36,63,287. USA has on the other hand administered 32,33,27,328 doses.
It should be noted that India has so far completely vaccinated 4.3% of its population and 20.3% people have been partially vaccinated.
