Covaxin’s phase three trial results show 81% efficacy

NEW DELHI: The findings of the Phase 3 trial of indigenous Covid-19 vaccine has come as another shot in the arm of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as the data of the Phase-3 trial has established that fact that the efficacy of Covaxin is 81 per cent -- which is much better than any other vaccine candidates across the globe.

The vaccine is the result of a partnership between ICMR and Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL). “The benchto-bedside journey of completely indigenous Covid-19 vaccine in less than 8 months' time showcases the immense strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is also a testament to India's emergence as a global vaccine superpower,” said Dr Balram Bhargava, the Director General of ICMR.

The Phase 3 trial, jointly initiated by ICMR and BBIL in mid-November 2020, was conducted with 25,800 individuals across 21 sites. “The interim efficacy trend of 81 per cent, analysed as per the protocol approved by the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India), puts it at par with other global front-runners vaccines,” the ICMR said.

Covaxin is the first Covid19 vaccine that has been developed completely in India. In March 2020, following successful isolation of the SARS CoV-2 virus, ICMR entered into a public-private partnership with BBIL to develop the virus isolate into an effective vaccine candidate. However, the vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech has also claimed that its Covid-19 vaccine candidate Covaxin shows “significant immunogenicity against the rapidly emerging variants” of coronavirus.