Omicron countdown begins / Human trial of Indian vaccine soon, will target only new corona variant; Pune-based company has prepared

Although there are different opinions among experts about the effect of the already existing Kovid-19 vaccine on the new variant of Corona, Omicron, but now a vaccine specifically targeting this variant is also coming soon. The special thing is that this new variant-specific vaccine that defeats Omicron is made in India itself. Pune's Genova Biopharmaceuticals has prepared this new type of vaccine and its human trials are going to start soon.

The variant-specific vaccine is the country's first vaccine based on mRNA technology. Let us tell you that earlier this same company has made a similar variant-specific vaccine for the Delta variant, which has proved to be the most dangerous so far of Corona. However, the process of getting approval from the Government of India for its last phase trial has not been completed yet.

First know, what is mRNA technology?

mRNA or messenger-RNA is a small part of the genetic code, which makes proteins in our cells. It can also be understood in simple language that when a virus or bacteria attacks our body, mRNA technology sends a message to our cells to make proteins to fight that virus or bacteria. Due to this, our immune system gets the necessary proteins and antibodies are made in our body.

In the era of Corona, scientists have developed vaccines based on mRNA technology for the first time. The biggest advantage of this technology is that it can make a new vaccine more quickly and in greater quantity than all the old vaccines. It also strengthens the immunity of the body.

According to a report in The Times of India, Ginova Biopharmaceuticals has developed its vaccine specifically keeping in mind the infection caused by the Omicron variant. Its trials on humans will be started soon. Due to Omicron in the country, the third wave of corona is about to reach its peak.

Phase-2 trial of mRNA vaccine made for delta variant completed, approval for phase-3 pending

According to the report, this company has also prepared a separate vaccine for the Delta variant. Its Phase-2 trial has been done on 3,000 people. Phase-3 trials are going to start soon. The company has already started production of this vaccine at its own risk, so that it can be made available in the market as soon as it gets approval from the government. Once approved, its production will be increased.

According to Dr. NK Arora, Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) of Kovid-19, he has received the data of the vaccine trial from Genoa and it is being studied.

mRNA vaccine big achievement for India

Dr. VK Paul, head of the country-made National Corona Task Force (NCTF), says, “The development of a vaccine based on mRNA technology is a big achievement for India. It is going to be of great use. Variants to fight Omicron in India Equally encouraging is the creation of a -specific vaccine."

Availability of variant-specific vaccines only in select countries

Only a few selected countries of the world have the availability of variant-specific vaccines. Recently, the American company Pfizer has said that its vaccine against Omicron will be ready by March. In addition, companies such as Moderna and AstraZeneca are also engaged in making variant-specific vaccines.

Ginova company is also making vaccine for children

According to Dr. Sanjay Singh, CEO, Genova Biopharmaceuticals, the company has started developing the vaccine for children aged 5 to 17 years. Singh says that vaccines are made quickly and easily with mRNA technology. Just as the virus is rapidly mutating, we can rapidly develop a vaccine against it.