Bharat Biotech and the US-based Precision Virologics have obtained rights for the nasal COVID-19 vaccine. The rights were obtained from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Bharat Biotech will own the rights to distribute the nasal COVID-19 vaccine. It will subject to regulatory approvals in all markets except the US, Japan, and Europe. The intranasal vaccine will be simple to administer. It will also reduce the use of medical consumables such as needles and syringes. According to Bharat Biotech, this will significantly impact the overall cost of the vaccination drive.
The licensing agreement will lead to rapid clinical development. The intranasal vaccine candidate has shown an unprecedented level of protection in mouse studies. The technology and data were recently published in Cell and Nature.
The phase I trials will take place in St. Louis University’s Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit. Upon obtaining regulatory approval, they will pursue further stages of clinical trials in India. They also plan on undertaking large scale manufacture of the vaccine.
According to Dr. Krishna Ella, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, they plan on manufacturing about 1 billion doses.
Bharat Biotech has experience in viral vaccines, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution. These fields continue to be a strong suit in ensuring safe, effective, and affordable vaccines.
Bharat Biotech is involved in diverse but rational projects to provide a much-needed vaccine against COVID-19. COVAXIN, the vaccine of Bharat Biotech is already under Phase II human clinical trials in India.
The single nasal dose is a major advantage to accomplish effective immunization. According to Precision Virologics Interim CEO, David T Curiel, it will also offer broader reach and easier administration.
The effective nasal dose not only protects against COVID-19 but also prevents the spread of disease. The nasal dose will directly target the cells that line the nose and throat.