India′s first indigenously developed mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 manufactured by Genova Biopharmaceuticals receives restricted emergency use for those aged 18 years and above from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday. Unlike other mRNA vaccines, which must be stored at sub-zero temperatures, this vaccine can be kept at 2 to 8 degrees.

The COVID-19 vaccine Covovax from the Serum Institute of Immunology has also received approval from the drug authorities for restricted emergency use in children aged 7 to 11 years, subject to specified restrictions.

The DCGI′s approval for both the vaccines came after recommendations were made by the COVID-19 subject expert committee of the CDSCO last week. 

Previously, on December 28 for adults, the DCGI had given emergency use authorization to Covovax, for the 12 to 17-year-old age range on March 9, subject to certain conditions. In its last meeting in April, the DCGI had asked for more data regarding the application from the Pune-based company.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology and its PSU, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) helped Genova to develop the indigenous mRNA Covid vaccine. (ETHealthWorld, June 29, 2022)