Great news! India is expanding its range of vaccines and drugs to fight against COVID -19. The central drug authority “Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)” has approved the Serum Institute of India’s vaccine Covovax, Biological E’s jab Corbevax, and anti-COVID pill Molnupiravir for restricted use in emergencies.

There have been a lot of speculations around these vaccines and drugs. Read on to learn more about them.

Covovax

  • What is Covovax?

Covovax is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease). Covovax was created using Novavax's recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate an antigen derived from the coronavirus spike (S) protein. 

  • Who Developed Covovax?

It is a local version of the Novavax vaccine and will be produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) .

  • What is The Recommended Dose And Route of Drug Administration?

The recommended dosage of Covovax is 2 doses (0.5 ml) given intramuscularly (into the muscle). The two doses should be administered at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks.

Also, an additional dose needs to be administered to immunocompromised people (with weak immune systems) as they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

  • Who Should be Vaccinated?

The vaccine is not recommended for people younger than 18 years of age. 

  • What is The Efficacy of Covovax?

The efficacy of Covavax has been assessed after three Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials. It showed an efficiency rate of 90% in mild, moderate, and severe diseases.

Corbevax

  • What is Corbevax?

Corbevax is a “recombinant protein subunit” vaccine. It is developed from the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein on the virus’s surface. 

  • Who Developed Covovax?

Corbevax was developed by Texas Children's Hospital at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. It has received approval from CDSCO for development and production licensed to the Indian pharmaceutical firm Biological E. Limited (BioE). 

  • What is The Recommended Dose And Route of Drug Administration?

Corbevax is administered intramuscularly in two doses of 0.5 ml each, scheduled on day 0 and day 28.

  • Who Should be Vaccinated?

Corbevax is recommended for individuals aged 18 years and above.

  • What is The Efficacy of Corbevax?

This vaccine showed a better immune response in comparison with the Covisheid vaccine when assessed against the original Wuhan strain and the Delta variant. Corbevax also demonstrated more than 90% efficiency against the Wuhan strain and for the prevention of symptomatic infections.

Molnupiravir

  • What is Molnupiravir?

Merck’s Molnupiravir (an antiviral drug) can be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease in adults with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. This drug can be used for patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. 

  • Who is it Contraindicated For?

Molnupiravir is not permitted for use in patients below the age of 18 years as it may affect bone and cartilage growth. 

  • What is The Dosage?

Molnupiravir is available only by prescription and should be started immediately after the diagnosis of COVID-19 or within five days of the onset of symptoms. It is given orally as four 200 mg capsules every 12 hours for five days, for a total of 40 capsules. Molnupiravir is not indicated for longer use i.e. more than five consecutive days. 

Molnupiravir can not be used as a substitute for vaccination or booster dose in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. 

Continue to follow all COVID-19 related precautions strictly. Apart from vaccination, the use of face masks, physical distancing, regular handwashing, and appropriate ventilation is advised. 


References:

1. Who.int. 2022. The Novavax vaccine against COVID-19: What you need to know. [online] Available at: <https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-novavax-vaccine-against-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know> [Accessed 3 January 2022].

2. Texaschildrens.org. 2022. Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine Covid-19 Vaccine Technology Secures Emergency Use Authorization in India | Texas Children's Hospital. [online] Available at: <https://www.texaschildrens.org/texas-children%E2%80%99s-hospital-and-baylor-college-medicine-covid-19-vaccine-technology-secures-emergency> [Accessed 3 January 2022].

3.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2022. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Additional Oral Antiviral for Treatment of COVID-19 in Certain Adults. [online] Available at: <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-certain> [Accessed 3 January 2022].


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