By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAR 04, 2021: BHARAT Biotech on Wednesday announced their homegrown COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin has shown an interim vaccine efficacy of 81 per cent in late-stage clinical trials.

The Phase 3 results of Covaxin, jointly initiated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech in mid-November, involved 25,800 volunteers between 18-98 years of age across 21 sites.

"The interim efficacy trend of 81 per cent, analysed as per the protocol approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), puts it at par with other global front-runner vaccines," said Bharat Biotech.

They have now reported data from all three phases of trials.

"The bench-to-bedside journey of completely indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in less than 8 months' time showcases the immense strength of Aatmanirbhar Bharat [self-reliant India] to fight the odds and stand tall in the global public health community. It is also a testament to India's emergence as a global vaccine superpower," said Mr Balram Bhargava, Director General, ICMR.

Covaxin is the first indigenously developed and manufactured COVID-19 vaccine candidate and has been granted emergency use approval by the DCGI in January for "restricted use in an emergency situation."