SRM to soon start Phase 3 of Covaxin trial with 1.5k volunteers

CHENNAI: SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre on Wednesday announced that it will soon begin Phase 3 of Covaxin clinical trial on its premises in Kattankulathur.

About 1,500 volunteers will be administered with the vaccine in this phase. The first phase of human trials at SRM began in July with 30 volunteers receiving the shot. The second phase was started in September and a total of 45 volunteers received the shot. Speaking about the third phase, dean (Medical) Dr A Sundaram said, “We are in the process of selecting the volunteers for the Phase 3 trial.”

According to him, a physical examination for COVID symptoms and required laboratory investigations will be done. “Only those found eligible after detailed investigations will be selected to participate in the process,” the dean said. Explaining the process of the trial, he said, “The vaccine contains inactivated virus and every subject must take two doses. The second shot will be administered 28 days later.” Stating that the volunteers will be kept under observation for a few hours and then can resume their usual activities, he said that the success of the vaccine can be determined only after the volunteers are observed for six months.

“Their health conditions will be checked to see the effectiveness of the vaccine and those who are more than 18 years of age and willing to volunteer for the clinical trial can approach SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Kattankulathur.”

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is collaborating with Bharat Biotech for the development of the COVID vaccine, Covaxin. SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre is the only centre in Tamil Nadu selected for the trial.