KOLKATA: The vaccine vials for the phase III clinical trial of
Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, arrived at ICMR-NICED (National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases), Kolkata, on Thursday. The 500 vaccine vials were shipped from Hyderabad. The first volunteer is expected to get the shot on December 1.
Sources in NICED said they were getting enquiries from many people who wanted to volunteer for the clinical trials.
NICED on Thursday appealed to volunteers via its website to participate in the trial. Those above 18 years and preferably living within a 10km radius of the institute’s Beliaghata campus are being encouraged to get themselves enrolled by contacting 98361 696622 or mail to bbv152niced@gmail.com. “All applicants, however, will undergo a screening to confirm the eligibility criteria,” said a source.
The first candidate vaccine, indigenously developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech reaching the city, has already elicited much excitement among Kolkatans, especially among medics and researchers.
“First of all, this is a made-in-India vaccine and Kolkata is finally going to participate in the clinical trials for Covid at an institute of repute like NICED,” said Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, director of clinical research at Peerless Hospital.
Doctors said that Kolkatans, so far, had been hearing about vaccine trials in other cities or countries. Now, the vaccine trial in the city will help sensitizing the mass.
“When people see that the trials are being conducted in Kolkata and there is direct proof of colleagues, relatives being volunteers, they will realize that the vaccine is not a hoax. Since I am in favour of science, I am proud and hopeful that the study at NICED is going to sensitize people about Covid vaccine,” said Diptendra Sarkar, professor of surgery at IPGMER.
The phase III study at NICED will involve 1,000 volunteers — 500 getting the vaccine while the rest will get placebo shots. “With the trials about to begin at NICED, it will help in getting volunteers in other trials. Also, the city has got very capable investigators, potential infrastructure sites for clinical trials. So there is no reason why we should lag behind other cities,” said Snehendu Koner, head of business development of site management firm CliniMed LifeSciences Pvt Ltd.
“Unlike vaccines by companies like Moderna and Pfizer, Covaxin is an attenuated vaccine that does not require extreme cold chain conditions. Hence, this kind of vaccine is best suited for countries like India,” added Bhowmick.