Bharat Biotech's ChAd36-SARS-CoV-S COVID-19 (Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vectored) recombinant nasal vaccine has been approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for primary immunization against COVID-19 in 18+ age group for restricted use in emergencies, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted on Tuesday. This is India’s first intranasal vaccine for COVID-19.
The Minister further tweeted that this step will strengthen India’s collective fight against the pandemic. “India has harnessed its science, research and development, and human resources in the fight against COVID-19 under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. With the science-driven approach and Sabka Prayas, we will defeat COVID-19,’’ he said.
The product – iNCOVACC – is stable at 2-8°C for easy storage and distribution. Bharat Biotech in its statement said that it has established large manufacturing capabilities at multiple sites across India including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana with operations pan-India.
