By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 13, 2021 10:35 am
The three-dose vaccine approved for EUA contains 2mg for each dose, whereas the two-dose plan will have 3mg in each dose.
Close on the heels of the Zydus Cadila receiving Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for its three-dose Covid-19 regimen, the company has also sought approval for its two-dose vaccine regimen from India’s drugs regulator.
The clinical trials for the two-dose vaccine are underway.
The three-dose vaccine approved for EUA contains 2mg for each dose, whereas the two-dose plan will have 3mg in each dose.
It is also the first time that a vaccine has been developed on the Plasmid DNA platform for human use.
A plasmid DNA vaccine uses non-replicating DNA molecules. The company claims that when the vaccine is administered it produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and elicits an immune response mediated by the cellular and humoral arm of the human immune system, which plays a vital role in protection from disease as well as viral clearance.
The platform because of its rapid plug-and-play technology can be easily adapted to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring. The company plans to manufacture 10-12 crore doses of ZyCoV-D annually.
The vaccine is stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
ZyCoV-D is needle-free and is administered intradermally which is done using PharmaJet, a needle-free applicator that ensures painless vaccination. This will help in administering the vaccine to kids.
The company stated that they can produce up to one crore doses per month from October this year and will supply 4-5 crore doses per month till January 2022.