COVAXIN neutralises multiple variants and double mutant strain of SARS-CoV-2: ICMR

New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday said that Bharat Biotech’s COVID vaccine, Covaxin, neutralises multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and is effective against the double mutant strain as well.

The Apex body of biomedical research said that the ICMR-National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated and cultured multiple variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 which includes UK, Brazil and South African variant.

Last month, the COVAXIN during the phase 3 trials had shown an interim vaccine efficacy of 81 per cent in preventing Covid-19.

The Phase 3 trial, jointly initiated by ICMR and Bharat Biotech International Limited in mid-November 2020, was conducted in a total of 25,800 individuals across 21 sites.

Notably, the COVAXIN is the first COVID-19 vaccine that has been developed completely in India. (UNI)