Bharat Biotech's intranasal COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday. This is India's first intra-nasal COVID-19 vaccine Which will be used for primary immunization against COVID-19 in 18+ age group for restricted use in emergency situation.
The DCGI had earlier given its nod to conduct clinical trials for BBIL's (Bharat Biotech International Limited) intranasal vaccine as a booster dose. The drug regulator had also permitted the firm to conduct a phase-3 clinical trial to compare the immunogenicity and safety of BBV-154 (intranasal) with Covaxin.
Last week, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) recommended Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Bharat Biotech's intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, sources said.
Benefits of COVID-19 nasal vaccine
Speaking about the benefit of nasal injection, Ella was earlier quoted by news agency PTI as saying that any injectable vaccine only protects the lower level (of the body). That's why people vaccinated with injectable vaccines may still get RT-PCR positive, whereas the nasal jab protects the whole body. Bharat Biotech also claimed that the "intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response."
As mentioned by Bharat Biotech, the nasal vaccine is:
Likely to block both infection and transmission of COVID-19
Non-invasive and needle-free
Easy to administer as it does not require trained healthcare workers
Eliminates needle-associated risks (injuries and infections)
High compliance — ideally suits children and adults
Scalable manufacturing — able to meet global demand(Edited by : Akriti Anand)
First Published: Sept 6, 2022 2:50 PM IST
