New launch: This PSU developed world’s first nasal vaccine for COVID

New Delhi: The world's first government approved nasal vaccine for COVID developed by state-owned Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRA) has been launched by central health minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Dr Jitendra Singh, Science and Technology Minister. BIRA has developed this nasal COVID vaccine 'iNCOVACC' in collaboration with Bharat Biotech International Limited. The unveiling took place on the occasion of 74th Republic Day.

Nasal vaccine will cost Rs 325 per dose in govt hospitals & Rs 800 in pvt centres

The nasal vaccine will be available in the government hospitals for Rs 325 per dose, while it will cost Rs 800 in the private medical centres. The company got the approval for the primary two-dose schedule, four weeks apart and as a heterologous booster dose for those who have already taken Covaxin and Covishield.

A total of eight drops (0.5 ml per dose), four drops into each nostril are to be administered. The nasal vaccine has been updated on the Co-Win App.

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New vaccine to use vector-based platform for earlier adaptation to emerging variants

The new vaccine uses a vector-based platform that can be easily updated with emerging variants making quick large-scale production easier. It will be made available in private hospitals initially and then, in government approved centres.

Launch of nasal vaccine marks glorious tribute to Aatmarnirbhar Bharat: Health Minister

Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the launch of the intranasal vaccine marks a glorious tribute to the call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Congratulating BBIL for innovating another vaccine in collaboration with BIRAC, Singh said India has taken a lead in developing vaccines and medicines. He credited PM Modi's personal intervention and regular monitoring for inspiring and enabling the launching of the Mission Covid Suraksha.

Vaccine was designed to be economical especially for low- & middle-income countries: Bharat Biotech

In a statement, Bharat Biotech said that the vaccine was designed to be economical and is targeted at low and middle-income countries. "As a needle-less vaccination, Bharat Biotech's iNCOVACC will be world's first such booster dose. India will now have more options when it comes to third doses or precautionary doses," it added.

"A roll-out of iNCOVACC is expected to begin in private hospitals that have placed advance orders. Initial manufacturing capacity of several million doses per annum has been established, this can be scaled up to a billion doses as required," the firm added.

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