Covovax trial for kids set to begin soon

MUMBAI: Enrolment of minors and children is set to begin for the second and third phase paediatric trials of Covovax across the country, including at Nair Hospital in Mumbai, in the next few weeks.
The recombinant nanoparticle protein-based vaccine — NVX-CoV2373 — developed by American biotechnology firm Novavax has been branded Covovax in India. It would be the fourth Covid vaccine to undergo a clinical trial for children in India.
The Drug Controller General of India has given the go-ahead for trials involving 920 minors at 10 sites in the country. According to the trial design, enrolment of the minors aged 12-17 would be done first, followed by those in the 2-11 age group.
Vaccine major Serum Institute is partnering with Novavax to launch Covovax for adults in India by September, and for minors by the end of this year.