Central drug controller approves two more vaccines, one anti-viral pill

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is the country’s national regulatory body for drugs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, has granted emergency use authorization for two more vaccines, Corbevax and Covovax.

Announcing the decision, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, congratulated in a series of tweets and said, “Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO, @MoHFW_INDIA has given 3 approvals in a single day for: CORBEVAX vaccine, COVOVAX vaccine and anti-viral drug Molnupiravir for restricted use in emergency situation."

According to Dr Mandaviya, “CORBEVAX vaccine is India's 1st indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against #COVID19, Made by Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E.” As this is the third vaccine developed in India, Dr Mandaviya called it a hat-trick.

Dr Mandaviya further informed that the Nanoparticle Vaccine, COVOVAX, will be manufactured by Pune-based firm Serum Institute of India (SII). SII is also the manufacturer of Covishield which is a part of India’s current adult immunization programme.

“Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug, will now be manufactured in the country by 13 companies for restricted use under emergency situation for treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 and who have a high risk of progression of the disease,” Dr Mandaviya tweeted.

Heaping a praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Mandaviya tweeted, “PM @NarendraModi Ji has led the battle against #COVID19 from the front. All these approvals will further strengthen the global fight against the pandemic. Our Pharma Industries are assets for the entire world.”