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ICMR writes to the chiefs of clinical trial sites
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New Delhi(Agencies): India
is eyeing to launch the first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine by August 15, with
the ICMR on Friday writing to the chiefs of clinical trial sites to expedite
the enrolment of subjects and finish the process by July 7.
ICMR DG Balram Bhargava, in a
letter to heads of hospitals where the vaccine—being developed jointly by
Bharat Biotech and ICMR—is to be tested, said the first COVID-19 vaccine is
envisaged to be launched by August 15 for which all approvals need to be
fast-tracked.
“ICMR has partnered with Bharat Biotech
International Limited to fast track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID 19
vaccine being called BBV152 COVID vaccine. This is the first indigenous vaccine
of India and is a top priority project for the government being monitored at
the highest level. It is envisaged to launch the vaccine for public use latest
by August 15 after completing the clinical trials. Bharat Biotech is working
expeditiously to meet the targets but the final outcome would depend on the cooperation
of clinical trial sites,” Bhargava wrote in his letter to heads of King George
College, Vishakapatnam, G Arjuna; Pt BD Sharma PGIMS University of Health
Sciences, Rohtak, Rohtash Yadav and AIIMS New Delhi Director Randeep Guleria
among others.
“You are advised to fast track all approvals
needed for the initiation of clinical trials and ensure that subject enrolment
is initiated not later than July 7,” ICMR letter says.
It also warns clinical trial
sites against non-compliance saying that would be viewed strictly.
The first indigenous COVID-19
vaccine is being developed using a strain isolated at ICMR National Institute
it Virology Pune.
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