The Center has taken a crucial decision to expedite the vaccination process to end the pandemic as the second wave of Covid-19 continues to trouble the country.
As part of this, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has made changes to approve the process of foreign vaccines. It has amended the existing restrictions to make all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) applicable in the country.
As per reports, foreign vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna approved by specific countries and WHO for emergency use will no longer need bridging trials in India. DCGI chief VG Somani said the decision was taken in the wake of the huge demand for vaccines in the country. This was recommended by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 or NEGVAC.
Somani said in a letter that vaccines have already taken by millions worldwide, vaccines on the US FDA, EMA, UK MHRA, PMDA Japan or the World Health Organization Emergency Use List do not require clinical trials in India.
However, Pfizer and Moderna are expected to take some time to reach India as there is a huge demand around the world. Pfizer is ready to deliver 5 crore doses to India between July and October.