Japan has granted an emergency approval to Chugai/Roche/Regeneron's antibody cocktail after a rapid review, while India has emerged as one of the top purchasers globally of COVID-19 vaccines as it looks to protect more of its population. 

Studies point to Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Bharat Biotech’s vaccines neutralizing the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, even if efficacy is lower compared to the original strain. This follows positive news from other vaccine companies but will the Lambda variant cause a setback?

The WHO indicates that several claim applications have been made under the COVAX no-fault lump-sum compensation program for COVID-19 vaccines. It remains to be seen how the scheme may apply to countries like India, which is also expected to take a call on indemnity to vaccine makers.

A plasmid DNA vaccine for human use has moved a step closer to reality, with Zydus Cadila applying for an accelerated nod for its COVID-19 candidate in India. 67% efficacy reported in an interim data readout and Delta variant being the prominent strain during a Phase III trial imply better odds for approval.