The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Director Dr. Jagat Ram on Sunday stated that the safety trial of Mycobacterium w (Mw) vaccine drug has been completed. However, its actual trial will be conducted on 40 patients in PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS-Delhi and AIIMS Bhopal, Dr. Jagat Ram said.
Last week, the PGIMER had said in a statement that the impact of Mw use on long-term safety and efficacy will only be known after the conclusion of this CSIR-supported clinical trial.
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Reportedly, Mw—heat-killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii—was earlier touted as a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. However, the doctors at PGIMER clarified that it was not a vaccine, it is originally developed as an immunomodulator for leprosy acts through the toll-like receptor pathway and enhances host-T cell responses.
In a recently concluded trial, the PGIMER found that Mw reduces the mortality in ICU patients with severe sepsis. It can potentially decrease the cytokine storm seen in COVID-19 patients. It may be of potential benefit in managing coronavirus patients and decreasing mortality.
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