Covaxin will be at least 60% effective

November 22, 2020 17:12

In a statement that has generated optimism and curiosity in the medical fraternity, Bharat Biotech said on Sunday that its Covid-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' will be at least 60 per cent effective, according to trial data.

President of Quality Operations at Bharat Biotech Sai D Prasad said the World Health Organisation, United States Food and Drug Administration, and India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approved a respiratory disease vaccine if it was at least 50 per cent effective.

The firm said while it had aimed to achieve at least 60 [er cent efficacy - a minimum criteria set - it was now attempting to reach an even higher rate. Chances of the vaccine being less than 50 per cent effective are remote, as suggested by our trial results so far," it said.

In their target product profile for Covid-19 vaccines, WHO suggested that a clear demonstration of efficacy (on a population basis) ideally with 50 per cent point estimate should be a minimum criterion for any acceptable candidate. The body also said that efficacy can be assessed against disease, severe disease, and/or shedding."

With the vaccine's efficacy passing the 50 per cent mark, the news strikes an optimistic note in the country as it continues to reel under the effects of the ongoing pandemic.

Bharat Biotech has also said the rolling-out process for the vaccine is aimed by mid-2021 after receiving approvals. "If we get all the approvals after establishing strong experimental evidence and data, and efficacy and safety data in our last stage of trials, we aim to launch the vaccine in Quarter 2 of 2021, the company said.

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