This needleless vaccine, in case it gets approval, will be the world’s first plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid vaccine against COVID-19 infection
Zydus Cadila has approached the Drugs Controller General of India for emergency approval for its ZyCov-D vaccine.
ZyCov-D is a three-dose COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Ahmedabad-based pharma company. After approval, this needleless vaccine will be the world’s first plasmid Deoxyribonucleic acid vaccine against COVID-19 infection.
Plasmid DNA vaccines contain a genetically modified DNA molecule that cannot replicate. When injected, the plasmids generate the spike protein of the coronavirus. The immune system recognises the spike proteins and develops antibodies against it.
ZyCov-D is a three-dose vaccine and it is given in an interval of 28 days between the two shots. Unlike other vaccines, ZyCov-D does not use a needle for vaccination. It uses a spring-operated device that passes the shot as a thin, accurate stream of fluid that penetrates the skin.
ZyCov-D has been tested in three phases involving over 28,000 participants. At least 1,000 of them were of ages between 12 and 18 years. The vaccine was found to be safe, with an efficacy of 66.6 per cent in symptomatic cases.
ZyCov-D production is expected to start by August, with a production capacity of 10 million doses per month.
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