About 30 vaccines are in different stages of development in India: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

In his inaugural speech at the First Virtual SCO Young Scientist Conclave, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences said that India is hosting clinical trials for all the major vaccine contenders and about 30 vaccines are in different stages of development in India.

"Two of them are in the most advanced stage of development - COVAXIN developed through ICMR-Bharat Biotech collaboration and COVISHIELD from the Serum Institute of India. The Institute, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is conducting trials for the vaccine developed by Oxford University. Both are in the Phase-III clinical trial stage. One of our pharma giants, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, will distribute the Russian vaccine in India after conducting final-stage human trials and receiving regulatory approval” he said.

He added, “The broad aim of this conclave is to bring brightest young minds from SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) on a common platform to harness their knowledge for addressing common societal challenges through research and innovation”.

Dr Harsh Vardhan is of the view that in response to COVID-19, India has put to use its significant scientific calibre.

"From the development of indigenous vaccines, novel point-of-care diagnostics, and therapeutic formulations based on traditional knowledge, to establishing research resources, Indian R&D entities both public and private, have been working relentlessly to develop effective interventions for combating the pandemic," he said.

“With the help of Government support, More than 100startups have provided innovative products & solutions to tackle COVID-19”, he pointed out.

The Minister extended “a special request to the young scientists of SCO” that for the welfare of the world, for human welfare, “they should come forward and join hands for developing solutions for our common societal challenges including the current pandemic of Corona”.