Zydus Cadila is to begin testing a three-dose recombinant DNA vaccine candidate in Phase III Indian trials, which might enter late-stage development ahead of Inovio and AnGes. The company promised to provide 100-150 million doses by end of 2021 at the J.P. Morgan Conference, though adherence could be a roadblock.

Multiple COVID-19 vaccines, including from J&J, Pfizer and RDIF, are seen gaining approvals in India in 2021, following on from a raft of R&D, manufacturing and marketing tie-ups, as well as other developments, in the action-packed field last year. 

Could Serum Institute or Bharat Biotech be the first company to have a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12 years of age? While Pfizer and Moderna have begun pediatric trials for children 12 years and above, Serum plans to begin testing its indigenous vaccine and Bharat Biotech its Covaxin in children under 12

India has given conditional accelerated approval to AstraZeneca partner Serum Institute, and separately to Bharat Biotech, for their COVID-19 vaccines. With the latter’s candidate still in Phase III trials, the unprecedented decision has caused controversy given the national regulator had earlier said an EUA would not be granted unless trials are completed.

India gave a conditional accelerated approval to AstraZeneca partner Serum Institute and separately, to Bharat Biotech for their COVID-19 vaccines. With the latter’s vaccine still in Phase III trials, the unprecedented decision caused a flutter as the regulator had earlier said an EUA would not be granted unless trials are completed.

Serum Institute has struck a partnership with Dynavax and Aurobindo Pharma with US-based company COVAXX for new vaccine candidates while Bharat Biotech has tied up with Ocugen to explore marketing of its existing contender, Covaxin, in the US.