The world, which is suffering from the coronavirus, hopes the arrival of a vaccine. By the end of this month, the pandemic could take the lives of more than 1 million people. In such a situation, a successful vaccine is much needed to save lives. But scientists can not make haste in making a vaccine because it can affect the health of billions of people. The vaccine has to be tested to be effective and safe.
Trials are underway on more than 180 vaccines worldwide. About 150 candidates are in the line but there are nine vaccines that have reached a very advanced stage. Russia approved one and China have approved two vaccines for use on people, but their Phase 3 trials have not been completed yet. Let us understand, how long it will take for you to get a safe and effective vaccine for Corona?
The current progress of vaccine development worldwide
There are currently 142 COVID vaccines worldwide which are in the pre-clinical stage. There are 24 vaccines undergoing Phase 1 trial while 14 are in Phase 2 trial. Whereas, the Phase-3 trial has been conducting only for nine vaccines, three of which have been approved for limited use.
Russia has released the vaccine
Russia announced the COVID-19 vaccine only after initial trials on 76 people. Trial managed to develop antibodies, but International Experts believe that large scale trials were needed to conduct a thorough safety check. Russian officials are now saying that the vaccine certificate will be reviewed after the completion of the Phase 3 trial. Russia has also approached India regarding trials and production of the vaccine.
Also read: Russia has successfully fast-tracked the development of COVID-19 vaccine
Approval of limited use of two vaccines of China
Also read: China Has Been Giving Coronavirus Vaccine To Its People Since A Month Ago
China has approved one vaccine of Sinovac and one of Sinopharm for limited use. Both vaccines are also undergoing Phase 3 trials in many countries of the world. At the same time, the vaccine of CanSino Biologics has also been approved to be used for the army. Another vaccine of Sinopharm is in Phase 3 trial.
Oxford vaccine trial halted
Phase 3 trial of Oxford University-AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been stopped. There are reports of a person getting ill from the vaccine. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was being said to be at the forefront of the global vaccine.
Some other vaccines are also in phase 3
Apart from Russia, China and AstraZeneca, many more vaccines are in Phase 3 trials. These include a vaccine from the Moderna-National Institute of Health in the United States. Apart from this, Germany’s BioNotech, America’s Pfizer vaccine are also going through the Phase 3 trial.
How long we have to wait?
Russia has started production of its vaccine Sputnik V, but most countries are raising doubts about its safety. Few countries have shown interest in both the approved vaccines of China. However, it has started mass production there. Most pharma companies are claiming to launch vaccine by early next year but there is a clear refusal to give any date. The problem of the Oxford Vaccine trial may also prolong the vaccine timeline.
Also read: Here Is All You Need To Know About ‘Sputnik- V’, The World’s First Coronavirus Vaccine
Status of the vaccine in India
India is the largest vaccine producer in the world. In such a situation, any country which makes COVID vaccine, it will have to talk to India for mass production. In India, the Serum Institute of India has received a Phase 2/3 trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The company is claiming a vaccine for Rs 225.
Covaxin: The indigenous Coronavirus vaccine of India; approved for the human trial
Phase 2 trial of Vaccine Covaxin made by ICMR and Bharat Biotech is also going on. Apart from this, ZyCov-D of Zydus Cadila is also going through phase 2 trials. On the other hand, Biological E, Genova Biopharmaceuticals and Indian Immunologicals are also testing different vaccines.