Latest news with #iNCOVACC
News18
11-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Bharat Biotech's Nasal Vaccine 'Can Adapt' To New COVID Strains, Regulatory Nod Awaited
Last Updated: Bharat Biotech told News18 that the company's COVID-19 vaccine platforms are enabled for 'adaptation'. However, restarting production needs regulatory agency approvals. Amid rising concerns over the JN.1 COVID-19 variant, Indian vaccine maker Bharat Biotech has stated its preparedness to address the emerging variant with its 'adaptable" vaccine platforms. However, production will only restart with regulatory approval. Suchitra Ella, Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, told News18 that the company is 'actively monitoring the ongoing situation" and remains prepared to respond, emphasising the adaptability of its vaccine platforms to evolving strains. 'We remain committed to ensuring that our vaccine platforms are adaptable and ready to respond to evolving strains," she said. As of 11 June, India has recorded 7,121 active COVID-19 cases, according to the Union Health Ministry's official COVID-19 dashboard. Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal report the majority of these cases. Highlighting the benefits of its nasal vaccine, iNCOVACC, Ella told News18 that its intranasal COVID-19 vaccine offers targeted upper respiratory tract protection, ease of administration without needles, and adaptability to circulating strains. The company affirms its proactive monitoring and preparedness: 'actively monitoring the situation and well-positioned to respond effectively if the need arises." iNCOVACC, India's first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, is available as a booster dose for adults. Its needle-free design, with drops instilled into each nostril, eliminates the need for trained healthcare professionals for administration. Ella confirmed the adaptability of both the injectable and intranasal COVID-19 vaccine platforms. 'However, any decision to restart production is contingent upon regulatory agency approvals. We continue to work in close coordination with regulatory bodies to ensure preparedness always aligns with evolving scientific and safety standards," she explained in an emailed interview with News18. While several countries recommend booster doses for high-risk and vulnerable groups, experts in India have not yet issued such a recommendation. 'Booster doses have been recommended in several countries for high-risk and vulnerable populations. Booster doses in our country are subject to approval from national regulatory agencies." Ella clarified that COVID-19 vaccine production would only recommence if directed by the national regulatory body. She also revealed the extent of vaccine wastage due to declining demand: 'As of early 2022, production of COVAXIN was paused in response to reduced demand and the cancellation of issued purchase orders. Subsequently, we proceeded with the destruction of around 20 crore doses of bulk and almost 5 crore doses of vaccines in vials." A senior health ministry source informed News18 that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases is no cause for panic, likening the current trend to seasonal influenza. While no immediate vaccination is necessary, basic precautions are advised, especially for those exhibiting symptoms. 'Wear a mask if you have a cough or cold, and request those around you to do the same, and people with co-morbidities like diabetes or kidney disease should remain particularly cautious during this period." Although booster shots may not be currently necessary in India, given the mild, influenza-like illness caused by current variants, the preparedness of Indian vaccine companies and their adaptable platforms demonstrate the nation's capacity for rapid response should more severe COVID-19 variants or other pathogens emerge.
Mint
08-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech's nasal vaccine ready to take on new covid strains
New Delhi: Bharat Biotech International Ltd, which developed the covaxin vaccine to protect against earlier variants of covid-19, says its intranasal and injectable vaccine platforms are ready to be adapted for new strains of the disease. India has recorded 5,755 active covid cases, according to the Union health ministry's data issued on Sunday. The nation also reported four new fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the total covid death toll since 1 January to 59. Health officials have identified two new JN.1 covid variants as the cause of the fresh wave of the infectious disease. Suchrita Ella, managing director of Bharat Biotech, said the company's nasal vaccine iNCOVACC is 'specifically designed for flexibility to adapt to circulating strains, protection in upper respiratory tract, and easy administration without injections". 'Bharat Biotech's covid-19 vaccine platforms, both the injectable and intranasal versions, are enabled for adaptation. However, any decision to restart production is contingent upon regulatory agency approvals," she said in an email interview. 'We continue to work in close coordination with regulatory bodies to ensure preparedness always aligns with evolving scientific and safety standards," Ella said, adding that the company is monitoring the situation and is "well positioned to respond effectively". Also read | Covid cases are rising again. Should we be worried? Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India manufactured billions of doses of vaccines for Indians and for supplying to more than 100 countries during the first few waves of the covid pandemic. The last covid vaccine batches were manufactured a year ago, with no visibility on new stocks. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a former chief scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), recently emphasized the need for vaccine manufacturers to update their formulas based on new variants, warning that vaccines developed for the original covid strain would offer little protection now. Bharat Biotech halted production of covaxin due to a decline in demand in early 2022 and destroyed significant quantities of its vaccine stock. 'Subsequently, we proceeded with the destruction of about 200 million doses of bulk and about 50 million doses of vaccines in vials," Ella said. Asked if booster doses should be given to high-risk populations, Ella said that remained subject to national regulatory approval. Also read | India steps up surveillance as covid-19 cases surge in Hong Kong and Singapore India's covid preparedness The Union health ministry, while stating that most current covid cases are mild, has directed states and union territories to increase testing and ensure medical preparedness across health facilities, reviewing the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. A nationwide mock drill was conducted last week to assess the functionality of oxygen supply systems in hospitals. The Union government has also advised the public to practise covid-appropriate behaviour, especially avoiding crowded places when unwell and seeking medical intervention. State and district surveillance units are also closely monitoring cases of influenza-like illness (ILL) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). As per government guidelines, all admitted SARI patients and 5% of ILI cases are to be tested for covid. Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are conducting genome sequencing of positive samples to track the variants. The latest covid wave is attributed to two new coronavirus variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are mutations of the Omicron offspring JN.1 variant. Kerala has reported the maximum number of covid cases this year, at 1,373, followed by Maharashtra (510), Delhi (457), Gujarat (461), and West Bengal (431). According to the Union health ministry, 760 people have recovered from covid in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries this year to 5,484. Also read | The official 'data fog' on India's covid toll has finally cleared up. Here's what we know now.
