Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trials in India: Serum Institute seeks DCGI nod

Initial results of the first two-phase trials of the vaccine conducted in five trial sites in the UK showed it has an acceptable safety profile and homologous boosting increased antibody responses

Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate for Covid-19, has sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting phase 2/3 human clinical trials of the potential vaccine, highly-placed sources said on Saturday.

The sources told PTI that the Pune-based drug firm submitted its application to the DCGI on Friday seeking permission for conducting the trials of ''Covidshield''.

"According to the application, it would conduct an observer-blind, randomised controlled study to determine the safety and immunogenicity of ''Covishield'' (Covid-19) in healthy Indian adults. The firm said that an