According to reports, the Technical Advisory Group of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the Emergency Use Listing status for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. The WHO panel had last week sought additional clarifications from the Hyderabad-based pharma firm.
“WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to #COVAXIN® (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of Covid-,” the UN health body said in a tweet.
WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Singh also congratulated India for the EUL of Covaxin. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called it a ‘win for Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ and credited it to PM Modi’s goodwill and determination.
The Technical Advisory Group had met October 26 and sought additional details from Bharat Biotech. Covaxin has demonstrated 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic Covid-19 and 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant. In June, the company said it concluded the final analysis of Covaxin efficacy from Phase 3 trials.
With validation from WHO, other countries can now expedite their regulatory approval processes to import and administer Covaxin. Furthermore, UNICEF, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the GAVI COVAX facility will be able to procure the vaccine for distribution to countries worldwide. This will enable them to secure the critical supply needed to meet the requirements of priority populations, thereby ensuring equitable access.
