Bharat Biotech's nasal vaccine enters 2nd phase of human trials in Kanpur today

The second phase of human trials for the intra-nasal COVID vaccine, BBV 154, has started in Kanpur from today onwards. As per reports, this innovative vaccine has been developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine. Reportedly, the trial centre set up at Prakhar Hospital received ICMR's approval on Monday and now, the volunteers have been called for this maiden drive.

Detailed antibody reports being prepared for gauging the efficacy

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Reportedly, the trials will be conducted for individuals aged between 18 and 65. As per reports, Chief Guide Dr. J.S. Kushwaha, informed that two drops of the nasal vaccine will be introduced in each nostril of the volunteers and they will have to lay down for 5 minutes. After this period, two more drops will be given to them and they will not be permitted to get up for the next 30 minutes. A second dose will be administered, on the same lines, after 28 days.

Further, the doctor apprised that the antibody tests will be conducted in two different ways. Besides the saliva samples, 5 mm blood samples will also be collected on the 1st, 28th, 56th, 90th and 180th days. With the help of this, comprehensive antibody reports will be prepared. As per reports, this group consists of non-vaccinated individuals, with or without a history of COVID infection.

Nasal vaccine expected to be a game-changer

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Notably, Prakhar Hospital has also witnessed Covaxin trials for adults and children previously. Now, if the new nasal vaccines are approved for usage, it is estimated that Bharat Biotech can manufacture 10 crore jabs by the end of the year. As per reports, it is anticipated that the third phase trials will be conducted in Kanpur itself. Claimed to be against all COVID mutants, the vaccine is expected to be a game-changer in the field.