Human Trials Of ZyCov-D Set To Begin: Kanpur Emerges As A Key Center For The Trials

Highlights:

• Zydus said with its ZyCov-D vaccine, it has successfully established the DNA platform in India.

• The third phase of experimentation will be carried on about 40 healthy volunteers at Prakhar Hospital, Kanpur.

India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is all set for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to contain the pandemic. The country manufactures more than 60% of all vaccines sold across the globe. While it’s $40 billion pharmaceuticals is not yet involved in producing the Pfizer Inc and Moderna shots, the nation will play a pivotal role in immunizing the world at a great pace.

Kanpur has witnessed too many cases of Coronavirus infection. However, the city is now emerging as a key hub for the trials of the COVID-19 vaccines that are being manufactured by various companies.

After successful human trials of the two vaccines, one developed by Bharat Biotech and the other by Russian Sputnik, the third vaccine - ZyCov-D by Zydus Cadila would be given to a set of healthy volunteers in Kanpur. As per the reports of official sources, nearly 40 volunteers would be given doses of the vaccine at the Prakhar Hospital where previously 197 people were been given shots of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

Zydus Conducted Trials on 20 People But The Results Remain Discreet

Last month, the ZyCov-D vaccine was tested on about 20 people from Kanpur. However, the details for the same have been kept discreet by Zydus.

The third phase of trials would be executed out under the supervision of Dr. V.N. Tripathi, the state’s former Director-General, Medical Education. He told the sources that a separate lab has been set up in the hospital and the authorities have already started listing the healthy volunteers. He also mentioned the transparency of the process and said, “the drug controller had given the approval and the vaccine stock would reach Kanpur soon.”

“...They need to realize vaccine is the only way we could defeat Corona and should be mentally prepared”, said Prof. Richa Giri (Vice-Principal of the Medical College).

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) earlier shortlisted - Prakhar Hospital in Kanpur and Rana Hospital and Trauma Center in Gorakhpur - among the 12 hospitals across the country where the human trial for the vaccine will be conducted.

The head of Prakhar Hospital told that none of the volunteers who were given the vaccine shots had complained of any side-effects. While 57 more people were given Covaxin in the third trial in Kanpur.

The volunteers for the vaccine included the doctors and engineers who were examined by an ICMR team.