Covaxin likely to be available in first quarter of 2021: Bharat Biotech

As companies across the globe are speeding up to bring an effective COVID vaccine, Bharat Biotech’s Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella hinted that India’s indigenous Covaxin in the country is likely to be available in the first quarter of next year. “We hope that with safety and efficacy data, Covaxin will be available in the first quarter of next year to the categories & the first responders according to the plan that government of India is embarking upon for phased vaccination,” said Suchitra Ella.

64 Diplomats visit Bharat Biotech

On Wednesday, 64 diplomats visited the premises of Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech which is to produce COVID vaccine Covaxin. During the visit, Bharat Biotech’s Chairman and Managing Director Dr Krishna Ella delivered a presentation to explain the country’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Dr Ella informed the Foreign Heads of Mission that nearly 33% of global vaccines are produced in Hyderabad’s Genome Valley.

Meanwhile, an expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has sought additional safety and efficacy data for COVID-19 vaccine candidates Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India (SII). The Bharat Biotech inspection is scheduled to be followed by visits to similar facilities in other cities in due course of time.