World’s first DNA-based vaccine, ZyCoV-D is going to be included in India’s nationwide Vaccination drive

World’s first DNA-based vaccine for Coronavirus Zydus Cadila’s ZyCoV-D is going to be included in the nationwide vaccination drive this month. Union government has placed an order of 10 million doses with the manufacturer of this Ahmedabad-based india’s second indigenous jab.

ZyCoV-D is India’s first needle-less jab to prevent coronavirus. Cadila Healthcare claimed that it had conducted the largest clinical trial for the vaccine in India so far. On 20th August, the drug received authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India(DCGI) but initially it will be administered to only those aged 12 or above. The reason behind it is the limited production capacity of the manufacturer.

“The Centre has already placed a purchase order with Zydus Cadila for the supply of 1 crore doses of ZyCoV-D, with each dose costing ₹358 excluding taxes, at the earliest,” news agency PTI reported. But recently, Zydus Cadila agreed to reduce price of each dose to ₹265.

Dr VK Paul, Member of Niti Aayog(health) stated on 30th October that the world’s first DNA-based vaccine would be used in the nationwide drive ‘very soon.’ Its regimen comprises three doses, which are to be administered on days 0, 28 and 56, respectively.

Dr Gagandeep Kang, a virologist and the first Indian woman to be elected Fellow of the Royal Society of London stated, “To have a DNA vaccine which works against an infection is a big deal. If it gives good protection this is something India will be proud of.” Moreover, DNA based vaccine are safe, cheap and stable.

DCGI has given the emergency use authorisation to total six vaccines of which ZyCoV-D is the sixth. It is also the only vaccine to be recommended for kids but still is yet to be approved by the regulator.