ICMR-Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial results to be released by August 15

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) DG Balram Bhargava on Friday wrote a letter to Bharat Biotech and the principal investigators of medical colleges to complete the procedures of a trial of coronavirus vaccine in a fast track method. The ICMR is looking for the result of a clinical trial so that it can be launched by August 15. Bharat Biotech had received a nod for a clinical trial of its vaccine candidate — Covaxin. In a letter, it has been stated that "This is the first indigenous vaccine being developed by India and is one of the top priority projects which is being monitored at the topmost level of the Government. The vaccine is derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by the ICMR-National Institute of virology. Pune, ICMR, and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine." ICMR has asked 12 institutes to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine candidate as it is being considered the topmost priority being monitored by the government. Also Read | Amid India-China standoff, PM Narendra Modi visits Ladakh to review ground situation "You have been chosen as a clinical trial site of the BBV152 COVID vaccine. In view of the public health emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic and urgency, to launch the vaccine, you are strictly advised to fast track all approvals related to the initiation of the clinical trials and ensure that the subject enrollment is initiated no later than 7, July 2020," Dr. Bhargava stated in a letter. -PTC News