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Centre backs the production of Corbevax; places an order of 300 million doses

As per reports, the third phase of clinical trials is expected to end in July 2021, post which Hyderabad-based manufacturer, Biological E, will being the production. The government also supported pre & post clinical trial studies with INR 100 crore grant

Centre backs the production of Corbevax; places an order of 300 million doses
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Manufacturers of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, Corbevax, recently mentioned that the vaccine will soon be in the third phase of the clinical trials, which is expected to be completed by July 2021. As per reports, over 300 million doses have been ordered by the government and the same will be delivered by Biological E, the manufacturer based out of Hyderabad.

The process used to develop Corbevax is the first time experts are using for coronavirus. This, as per records, was initially being used for vaccines fighting Hepatitis B.

Scientists have used SARS-CoV-2 in this recombinant protein sub-unit, which binds with cells eventually causing COVID-19, however, the entry to the body is unrestricted as the protein does not have the virus, which cannot infect the individual. Upon entering the system, the body reacts to the protein thereby preparing immunity, improving body's response to the virus incase of infection whereby the protein is activated making one less vulnerable to coronavirus.

Corbevax was earlier developed by a team of expertss at Baylor College of Medicine 

Research for Corbevax was started by scientists at National College of Tropical Medicine operated under the Baylor College of Medicine. 

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Scientists are the institute, for over several years, have been working on developing vaccines for SARS and MERS which are other forms of the coronavirus. The study for this vaccine began in February 2020 and the formula was shared with the Hyderbad-based firm in August 2020. Reports state that the vaccine uses affordable raw materials which are easily available, and this makes this vaccine promising for the infection.

The team at Biological E has been conduct trials for many months and the approval for the third phase will be received only the study is completed in July. Post this, the production work for the same will begin in India and the vaccine will be distributed globally.

Keeping the production aspects and other vaccines in mind, experts believe that once ready, Corbevax will be the cheapest available COVID-19 vaccine in India. The mechanism is different in comparison to other available vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik, SARS-CoV-2 and CoronaVac. It is believed that Corbevax also will be administered in two doses for maximum efficacy.

Also Read: Mayor Kishori Pednekar sheds light on vaccine shortage in Mumbai

The central government has already issued INR 100 crore grant fro the clinical trials, pre and post, and the Hyderbad-based Biological E has received pre-booking orders of 300 million doses, worth INR 1500 crore in advance, and these are expected to be sufficient to vaccinate 15 crore Indians. On the other hand, efforts are being made by the central and state governments to produre vaccine from other manufacturers, however, with advance purchase being made from other nations, response regarding the availability of stock has not been successful. However, the centre hopes that Biological E will be able to supply the requried number of doses, as the production cost is lower than usual and the availability of raw materials is said to be easy.

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