TAG: GS3: SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently granted emergency use listing (EUL) for Corbevax, the Covid vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based vaccine maker Biological E.
EXPLANATION:
About Biological E’s Covid vaccine Corbevax:
Corbevax is an indigenous Covid-19 vaccine developed by Biological E. It is based on a protein sub-unit platform. The vaccine was used as part of India’s strategy in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The company supplied 100 million doses to the Indian government, which were used in nationwide immunization campaigns. Biological E’s Corbevax has played a significant role in India’s vaccination efforts, and the company is actively involved in the development of next-generation vaccines to combat the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Approval and Administration:
The vaccine received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use among adults, adolescents, and young children. The approval was granted in a sequential manner from December 2021 to April 2022. Corbevax became India’s first heterologous Covid-19 booster shot for adults aged 18 and above in June 2022.
WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL):
- Corbevax received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 16, 2024.
- This endorsement is expected to strengthen the global fight against Covid-19.
- The company aims to use this platform for developing future Covid-19 vaccines as needed.
Global Outreach and Next-Generation Vaccine:
- Biological E is committed to reaching people in countries facing fiscal pressure in dealing with Covid-19.
- The company is working on a next-generation Covid-19 vaccine based on the XBB1.5 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- The candidate vaccine has completed pre-clinical animal studies, indicating protection against currently circulating variants.
- BE has received approval to begin clinical trials of the XBB1.5 variant vaccine in India.
- Manufacturing and Supply Infrastructure:
- Biological E has qualified manufacturing infrastructure for producing variant vaccines.
- The company can initiate supply at short notice to address emerging needs.