Covid-19: New Omicron-specific vaccine in 6 months, says Serum Institute of India

The Serum Institute of India is expected to create a new Omicron-specific vaccine within six months.

According to NDTV, institute chief Adar Poonawalla says the pharma giant is already working with US biotech company Novavax to develop a vaccine against Omicron sub-variant BA-52.

"Think this vaccine is important as a booster," said Poonawalla, adding that Omicron is "not mild" and often manifests like a "serious flu."

However, the vaccine can only enter the market once approved by national regulators; it is not clear whether a separate Indian clinical trial is needed.

"Trials of Novavax are in progress in Australia currently. By November-December should be in a position to approach the US drug regulator," Mr Poonawalla said.

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Omicron variants, such as B5 and B2, are currently making their rounds in the Indian capital of Delhi, where authorities say they are more infectious than the base variant.

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