iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Some of the 15 novels and nine non-fiction books by Munif, one of the most prominent Saudi authors of the 20th century, have been translated into over 10 languages
KT APPDOWNLOAD
India set to be first country to approve AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine: Sources
New Delhi - India, the world's biggest vaccine-making country, wants to start inoculating its citizens next month.
India is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week after its local manufacturer submitted additional data sought by authorities, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.
This could be the first country to give the regulatory green light for the British drugmaker's vaccine as the British medicine regulator continues to examine data from the trials.
Also read: New coronavirus strain 'still not found in India'
New Covid strain: India sets new procedures for passengers from UK
India, the world's biggest vaccine-making country, wants to start inoculating its citizens next month and is also considering emergency use authorisation applications for vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and local company Bharat Biotech.
Getting vaccines to the world's second-most populous country with one of the highest infection rates will also be a big step in the battle against the pandemic.
The AstraZeneca-Oxford shot is considered vital for lower-income countries and those in hot climates because it is cheaper, easier to transport and can be stored for long periods at normal fridge temperatures.
India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) first reviewed the three applications on Dec. 9 and sought more information from all the companies, including from Serum Institute of India (SII), which is making the AstraZeneca shots.
SII, the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, has now provided all the data, the two sources said. The authorities were still waiting for more details from Pfizer, a government health adviser told a news briefing on Tuesday, while one of the sources said additional information was expected from Bharat Biotech.
Both sources said Indian health officials were in direct contact with their British counterparts over the AstraZeneca shot and that there were "strong indications" an approval would come by next week.
The expected approval comes after data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil released earlier this month showed the vaccine had efficacy of 62 per cent for trial participants given two full doses, but 90 per cent for a smaller sub-group given a half, then a full dose.
The Indian regulator is only considering the two full-dose regimen of the shot despite it showing a lower success rate, the sources said.
"Serum is ready," said one of the sources. "Initially, we may get around 50 million to 60 million doses."
The sources declined to be named as deliberations were ongoing and the timeline could change.
CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer declined to comment, while SII did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
India has not yet signed a vaccine supply deal with any company, but SII has already stockpiled more than 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot and plans to make a total of 400 million doses by July.
More news from
New research estimates the city's landmass is disappearing at an average rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year
Modifications include altering service road sidewalks and adding a 600 metre lane on the designated road
Federal authority launches service where individuals residing outside the country can access the authority's smart application on their mobile phones
American University of Sharjah is developing green construction leaders to create more sustainable homes for the future, achieving net zero energy consumption
Net Carbon Vision aims to help organisations bring a tectonic shift to achieving their carbon neutrality goals
Weather department predicts a slim chance for evening rains on Monday, with thunderstorm around 5pm IST
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida says any North Korean missile launch will be a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions