Indications that a vaccine for COVID-19 would reach the markets much faster than we thought give much hope as the pandemic shows no signs of receding and the number of those infected is increasing in India and globally by the day.
That the first stage trials of vaccines being developed in the United States and the United Kingdom have been successful is a good indication that a vaccine for the infection would soon be available.
There are reports that the first stage trails of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca PLC in association with Oxford University have been successful. Last week, US-based biotech company Moderna Inc had released the results of the first level experiments. Experiments are under way in many countries, including India.
The results of the experiments of the vaccine developed by Oxford University published in The Lancet medical journal reveal that the vaccine doesn’t have any dangerous side effects. It has been found that antibodies and T-cells have developed in the people who have undergone treatment with the vaccine. It shows that the vaccine has been successful. Last stage experiments are under way in Brazil and South Africa and second stage experiments will start in the US soon.
In the US, vaccine production has started along with the testing of the vaccine. This is to make the vaccine available to the public at the earliest if the experiments are successful. Steps for production have been adopted not even considering the initial monetary losses.
Research and experiments are under way in India too to develop a vaccine. The Serum Institute of India has sought permission for the procedures. The institute has said that production of the vaccine will start without much delay. The institute has entered into contract with the many companies that are conducting experiments in the world including the British Company AstraZeneca. Serum institute has entered into a deal for production of the vaccine in India if the experiments being conducted by these companies are successful. This would help avoid any delay.
The authorities have later withdrawn the statement that the vaccine being developed by Bharat Biotech in association with National Institute of Virology would be ready by August 15. Experts had pointed out that taking into account the time needed for experiments this would be practically impossible to meet.
Many states in India are facing the threat of community spread even if they haven’t officially declared it. It was quite shocking to learn that 23.48% of the population in Delhi has been affected by the infection. The news of the success of the first level of experiments comes as a relief at this stage.
