Source - India Today
There is Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik, and Oxford-AstraZeneca anticipating to launch COVID-19 vaccines before the end of the year. India being one of the worst hit countries with COVID-19 that cases are still rising is curiously waiting for the progress of several vaccine candidates. India's realistic hopes, however, hinge heavily on 3-5 vaccine candidates.
SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA - The Serum Institute Of India is in tie up for two COVID-19 vaccine , developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca (Covishield) and Novavax. Covishield is in the most advanced stage of human trials in India. If all goes well , it can be distributed by the end of this year. Novavax is in the second and third phase of trials. It is likely to be available by mid 2021.
BHARAT BIOTECH AND ICMR - Bharat Biotech and ICMR have Collaborated to develop COVID-19 vaccine - Covaxin. It is in the third phase of trial now.
SPUTNIK - DR REDDY'S
COVID-19 vaccine announced by Russia, registered under the name of Sputnik V, developed by Gamaleya Research Institute (GRI) and funded and promoted outside by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Dr. REDDY'S Laboratories is RDIF's partner in India for conducting clinical trials. Second and third trials are expected in next month.
PFIZER AND MODERNA - Two companies have claimed 95% success for this vaccine candidates. Whereas Sputnik had 92% success rate. If Pfizer and Moderna got approved , they could be the first ever vaccine based on mRNA technology.
WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR INDIA ? The vaccine distributed by the Serum Institute Of India and the Bharat Biotech are best suited for country- Covishield, Novavax and Covaxin. All three require storage at 2-8 degree Celsius. Where as Sputnik V requires -18 degree Celsius And Moderna can be stored at same temperature for 30 days only and not longer. Normal requirement for Moderna and Pfizer is -70 degree Celsius.