Bharat Biotech’s Nasal COVID Vaccine Set For Phase 2/3 Trial

New Delhi: Bharat Biotech’s nasal vaccine to fight COVID-19 has been cleared by regulators for Phase 2/3 trial.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Phase 1 trial of the adenoviral intranasal vaccine BBV154 among healthy volunteers aged 18 to 60 years produced encouraging results.

The first-of-its-kind vaccine to undergo human trials in India was found to be safe, immunogenic and well-tolerated in pre-clinical toxicity studies. It was also able to elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies in animal studies, the ministry informed.

Bharat Biotech’s nasal vaccine has been supported by department of biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

“The department through Mission Covid Suraksha, is committed to development of safe and efficacious Covid-19 vaccines. Bharat Biotech’s BBV154 Covid Vaccine is the first intranasal vaccine being developed in the country entering into late-stage clinical trials,” said DBT secretary Dr RenuSwarup.

Research to develop nasal sprays for use against COVID-19 is underway in a number of countries. India seems to be ahead of the race, at present.