Sources say CDL Kasauli cleared around 6.5 crore doses of Corbevax

According to sources, the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kasauli has cleared around 6.5 crore doses of Biological E’s COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax based on safety, quality, and efficacy standards.

On December 28, 2019, the country’s central drug authority licenced the COVID-19 vaccine, Corbevax, for limited use in emergency settings among adults. Based on intermediate results (of the current phase II/III clinical investigation), Biological E got permission for restricted usage in an emergency case for the 12-18 age range.

Biological E said that Corbevax is administered through the intramuscular route with two doses scheduled 28 days apart and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius temperature and presented as 0.5 ml (single dose) and 5 ml (10 doses) vial and 10 mL (20 doses) vial pack.

“Biological E conducted the phase I/II, II/III clinical trials of its Corbevax vaccine for adults in the country. In addition, it conducted a Phase III active comparison clinical trial to evaluate superiority over Covishield vaccine,” it said.

Earlier sources on condition of anonymity told ANI that the Central Government has placed an order for as many as five crores Biological E’s vaccine Corbevax.

The Central government had placed an order for as many as 30 crore Corbevax doses in August 2021.

The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company Biological E on Monday received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval from Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax to be administered between the age group of 12 to 18 years.

It is India’s first indigenously developed Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) protein sub-unit vaccine against COVID-19.

The Corbevax will be the second vaccine after Covaxin which has received approval for those below 18 years of age.

Meanwhile, the health ministry said, “With the administration of more than 35.50 lakh doses (35,50,868) vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 175.83 crore (1,75,83,27,441) as per provisional reports till 7 am today.”