All about the DNA-plasmid COVID-19 vaccine developed by Zydus Cadila

In recent developments, Zydus Cadila is touted to seek emergency use authorization (EUA) for its DNA-plasmid technology-based vaccine for the coronavirus from the drug regulator in India. If approved, this would be the first DNA-plasmid vaccine in the world.

So far, here is what we know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

• This could end up being India’s first vaccine for children aged 12 years and above as the company has conducted trials on the age group.
• Moreover, this happens to be a three-dose vaccine to be administered on day 0, day 28, and day 56.
• In addition, ZyCoV-D would be administered through a needle-free injection system (NFIS).
• Traditionally, vaccines are made of a killed or weakened form of the infectious agent. However, the DNA plasmid vaccine is a relatively new approach where a piece of DNA that contains the genes for the antigens is injected.
• Meanwhile, according to reports, the company confirmed that the Ahmedabad-based firm may seek an emergency use authorization from the drug regulator in around a week.

On the other hand, earlier the Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila had sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) to initiate human clinical trials for monoclonal antibodies cocktail for the treatment of coronavirus.

The antibody is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies, which mimic natural antibodies that the body generates to fight infection. As India tries to grapple with the second wave of the coronavirus, it is important to note that such a drug could prove to be life-altering amidst the innumerable deaths being recorded across the country at the moment.

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