The Drug Controller General has permitted emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine ZyCov-D. The vaccine has been developed by the Ahmedabad based Zydus Cadila group.

ZyCov-D is the first indigenous vaccine that can be administered to children of 12 years of age and above.

This one of a kind vaccine is DNA-based and can be administered without a needle, apparently minimising the chances of reactions.

The Zydus Cadila group has developed the vaccine in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the 'Mission COVID Suraksha'.

The vaccine, after completing the 03 doses, produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and bring out an immune response.The DBT stated, "The plug-and-play technology on which the plasmid DNA platform is based can be easily adapted to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring".

In July, from Phase-III Clinical Trials over 28,000 volunteers,the interim results showed a primary efficacy of 66.6% for RT-PCR +ve (symptomatic) cases. Both the Phases, I & II and Phase III clinical trials have been monitored by an independent DSMB (Data Safety Monitoring Board) and exhibited robust immunogenicity, tolerability and safety profiles, stated the Department of Biotechnology.

The Secretary of DBT Renu Swarup informed that the vaccine will be available "very soon" and that stockpiling has already been started. Earlier, the company informed that it expects to develop 10 to12 crore doses annually and 05 crore by the year-end.

Pankaj Patel, The Chairman of Zydus Group Pankaj Patel said, "To create the world’s first DNA vaccine at such a crucial juncture and despite all the challenges, is a tribute to the Indian research scientists and their spirit of innovation".

ZyCov-D is the 5th vaccine to be approved in India, the others are Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V and Moderna.