Indian Immunologicals joins hands with Griffith University of Australia to develop Covid-19 vaccine
A researcher works on a COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters Photo)Hyderabad-based human and animal vaccines manufacturer Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has joined hands with Australia’s Griffith University to conduct exploratory research to develop a vaccine for the dreaded Covid-19 virus.
IIL and Griffith University will be working on developing a ‘Live Attenuated SARS – CoV-2 vaccine’ (Covid-19 vaccine) using the latest codon de-optimization technology, which was zeroed in on after evaluating various options being followed across the world, IIL said.
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The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said the technology looks promising for developing a vaccine for prophylactic, active, single dose immunization against coronavirus in humans and is expected to provide long-lasting protection with a single dose administration with an anticipated safety profile similar to other licensed vaccines for active immunization.
“Our live-attenuated vaccine...is expected to provide long lasting immunity against SARS – CoV-2 following a single immunisation and cross-protection against other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS, SARS-CoV-1). As this vaccine will be a live attenuated vaccine it is expected to be highly effective by providing very strong cellular and antibody immune responses against the virus. The other benefit of a live-attenuated vaccine is a proven track record for economical large-scale manufacturing and well-known regulatory approval pathway,” explained Prof Suresh Mahalingam, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia.
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Upon completion of the preliminary research, the vaccine strain will be transferred to IIL, which will work with the country’s regulator –the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) - to conduct clinical trials in a phased manner and file for approvals. IIL intends to use its existing Vero cell platform technology for mass production of the virus.
The latest collaboration comes even as IIL is already working with Griffith University for conducting research and development of Zika virus vaccine, which is in the pre-clinical toxicology testing stage. IIL was set up in 1982 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as a unit with the objective of manufacturing affordable vaccines.
IIL and Griffith University will be working on developing a ‘Live Attenuated SARS – CoV-2 vaccine’ (Covid-19 vaccine) using the latest codon de-optimization technology, which was zeroed in on after evaluating various options being followed across the world, IIL said.
Coronavirus lockdown: Latest updates
The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said the technology looks promising for developing a vaccine for prophylactic, active, single dose immunization against coronavirus in humans and is expected to provide long-lasting protection with a single dose administration with an anticipated safety profile similar to other licensed vaccines for active immunization.
“Our live-attenuated vaccine...is expected to provide long lasting immunity against SARS – CoV-2 following a single immunisation and cross-protection against other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS, SARS-CoV-1). As this vaccine will be a live attenuated vaccine it is expected to be highly effective by providing very strong cellular and antibody immune responses against the virus. The other benefit of a live-attenuated vaccine is a proven track record for economical large-scale manufacturing and well-known regulatory approval pathway,” explained Prof Suresh Mahalingam, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia.
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Upon completion of the preliminary research, the vaccine strain will be transferred to IIL, which will work with the country’s regulator –the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) - to conduct clinical trials in a phased manner and file for approvals. IIL intends to use its existing Vero cell platform technology for mass production of the virus.
The latest collaboration comes even as IIL is already working with Griffith University for conducting research and development of Zika virus vaccine, which is in the pre-clinical toxicology testing stage. IIL was set up in 1982 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as a unit with the objective of manufacturing affordable vaccines.
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