India Engages In Quiet Covaxin Diplomacy; Likely To Get Approval In Several More Countries In Next Two Months

In a significant boost for the approval of India's home-grown Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, the central government is reportedly engaged in quiet diplomacy to assist Bharat Biotech's vaccine to get an international nod.

Notably, Covaxin has already been approved by around 15 countries around the world, and the said move may result in approvals for the vaccine by several countries during July-August.

The report further added that, unlike China, India is engaged in quiet diplomacy. The Centre has advised Bharat Biotech on navigating the complex world of geo-economics transparently and through submission of data at global institutions and various world capitals.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech India Ltd recently publicised the long-awaited results of the Phase-3 trial of Covaxin. The trial involved nearly 25,800 volunteers spanning 25 hospitals across India. It showcased 93.4 per cent effectiveness against severe COVID-19 disease, as per the results of the Phase-3 test.

Bharat Biotech has applied for regulatory approvals in more than 50 countries and emergency use listing with WHO Geneva.

"Bharat Biotech has now received approvals from more than 15 countries, with approvals from several additional countries to be received during July-August 2021. Now that results from Phase-III final analysis have been published, more countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and North America have come forward to grant EUAs for Covaxin," the person quoted a person familiar with the development.

"During such a devastating pandemic it is morally and ethically reprehensible that countries place arbitrary and unilateral restrictions on travel. It is extremely important that countries mutually accept regulatory systems and medicinal products to encourage a quicker return to normalcy and restoration of lives and livelihoods. During the early days of the pandemic, several categories of medicines manufactured in India were accepted by countries worldwide, a similar note of reciprocity is the need of the hour," pointed out a source.