Covid-19 Vaccines - To put an end to this pandemic.

Hi Peeps!!! This is Boopathy...

            These days, a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the outbreak of a respiratory illness known as COVID-19. It took away many people lives irrespective of their ages. And it's spell goes on increasing day by day rapidly. Many medical teams, pharmaceutical groups and scientists are striving to control it. And it still remains a nightmare for everyone of us. But, we got some progress in fighting against it. Now, many countries have made their contributions to stop it's rage.

            Over 140 vaccines are under pre-clinical trials in which the vaccines will be given to animals such as mice and monkeys. 19 in Phase 1 i.e. safety trials in which the vaccine would be given to small number of people to test safety and dosage as well as stimulation of immune system. 13 in the Phase 2 i.e. expanded trials in which the vaccine will be given to hundreds of people who were split into groups such as adults, children and aged, to check whether it differs among them. And 4 vaccines are in Phase 3 i.e. efficacy trial/ wider testing, here thousands of people would be vaccinated and they will be compared to those who received ordinary medicines. The next step is approval which is not mandatory during pandemic situation.

AZD1222 vaccine:

            It is candidate of Jenner Institute from the University of Oxford. This vaccine has successfully reached it's Phase 3. This vaccine is made from a genetically engineered virus that causes common cold in chimpanzees. It provides 'double protection' as it has both T-cells and antibodies. The T-cells are the white blood cells which kills the infected cells and develops immunity system. Meanwhile the antibodies are able to neutralize the virus, so that it cannot infect cells.

             The results are promising, because several studies have indicated that antibodies may fade away within months, while T-cells can stay in circulation for years. 90% of people developed neutralizing antibodies in one dose itself and the other 10%  neutralized antibodies in two doses.

            Of course,it has some side effects. 70% of the people on the trial got either fever or headache. No need to panic, the researchers said that could be managed with Paracetmol.

            The Serum Institute of India has partnered with AstraZeneca, a British biopharma giant, to ensure supply of the ADZ1222 vaccines doses to India as well as other countries who were under developed. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India has invested USD 100 million for this facility. He also stated that he wants to keep the price at below Rs. 1000.

In India:

            We have two indigenous Covid-19 vaccine candidates who have entered the human trails phase. One is COVAXIN, which is being developed by ICMR and Bharat Biotech. The results were encouraging after the successful completion of Phase-1 human trials.

            Author candidate named ZyCoV-D was developed by Indian pharma Zydus Cadila. It also got the approval for human trails and expected to conclude all phases of trails in about 7 months.

            Even if any of these vaccine is proven effective before the end of this year, widespread vaccinations is likely to be available only at the earliest of next year. The health and care workers, people who are in high risk areas, aged people will be given top priorities. "Prevention is better than cure".



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