New Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday launched Bharat Biotech’s Nasal Covid-19 Vaccine Incovacc (Nasal Covid Vaccine iNCOVACC). This is the world’s first intranasal covid vaccine for heterologous boosters. This intranasal vaccine made by Bharat Biotech will be available to the government at Rs 325 per shot and private vaccination centers at Rs 800 per shot.
Bharat Biotech received approval for this vaccine in December 2022 as the primary 2-dose and heterologous booster. Earlier, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization had approved restricted use of the intranasal vaccine in emergency situations for people aged 18 years and above. It is a cost-effective Covid vaccine that does not require needles, alcohol wipes, bandages, etc.
The “COVID-19 intranasal vaccine” (BBV154) was shown to be safe, tolerable, and immunogenic in a Phase III controlled clinical trial in December. Then Bharat Biotech had told that BBV154 has been specially prepared to be given through the nose. The company said that along with this, the nasal vaccine delivery system has been designed and developed in such a way that it is affordable for low and middle-income countries.
How does this vaccine work?
The company said, “The intranasal vaccine, BBI154 produces antibodies in the upper respiratory tract, which helps reduce the potential for infection and spread of Covid-19.” Further studies are planned in this direction.
Significantly, to assess the effect of BBV154 as a primary dose (initial two doses) and the effect of giving BBV154 as a third dose to those who have received two initial doses of other vaccines for Covid-19 (Covishield or Covaxin). Two separate and concurrent clinical trials were conducted.
Separately, the DCGI also permitted the company to conduct a Phase III clinical trial to compare the immunogenicity and safety of BBV154 (Intranasal) with Covaxin. This test was allowed to be done at nine places.
