The world’s first DNA-plasmid vaccine, the three-dose one for Covid-19 developed by Cadila Healthcare (Zydus Cadila), has received emergency-use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for use in adolescents 12 years old and above.

This makes indigenously developed ZyCoV-D India’s first Covid-19 vaccine for this age group, and the vaccine has many firsts. It is based on DNA-plasmid technology; then, it can be administered using a needle-free injection system; and finally, it remains stable in room temperatures for three months. This is a three-dose vaccine whose second and the third doses are 28 and 56 days, respectively, after the first. The Cadila Healthcare stock ended down 1.38 per cent on the BSE on Friday.

Meanwhile, Zydus has submitted immunogenicity data from a two-dose regimen (using 3 mg doses) trial to the DCGI. The data shows “equivalent immunogenicity” with that of the three-dose regimen. Therefore, a two-dose regimen approval is also expected. Sources said the expert panel might review more data it has sought.

New Source : Mint