ICMR Backs Independence Day Vaccine Deadline Amid Backlash 

by GoNews Desk 3 years ago Views 1938

ICMR Backs Independence Day Vaccine Deadline Amid
Backing its August 15 target for launching Covaxin, India’s Covid-19 vaccine contender, amid backlash, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said the process is “in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track the vaccine development”.

“ICMR’s process is exactly in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track the vaccine development for diseases of pandemic potential wherein human and animal trials can continue in parallel,” the nodal medical research agency said in a statement after being questioned by the scientific community.


The medical research agency said that Bharat Biotech’s vaccine candidate appears to be “promising” and thus red tape was cut “without bypassing any necessary process” in a bid to avoid hindrance in the fast track approval of new indigenous testing kits. “After intense characterization and review of all data from BBIL, ICMR is supporting the clinical development as the vaccine candidate appears to be promising,” ICMR statement added.

ICMR’s official claim of “launching” COVID-19 vaccine for “public health use latest by August 15” sparked fears that its safety and efficiency could be compromised and voices from the scientific community raised doubts over the “near impossible timeline.”

Welcoming the issues raised in the public domain from time-to-time by commentators, the nodal body said “the best of India’s medical professionals and research scientists should not be second guessed for their professionalism or adherence to the highest scientific rigour.” 

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