NIH says India’s Covaxin is effective on Delta variant of COVID-19

Two studies of serum from Covaxin recipients by the NIH showed that antibodies are produced that neutralise SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), and B.1.617(Delta. Hence Covaxin effective on Delta and Alpha variants.

According to the US’ National Institute of Health, India’s Covaxin was developed by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research. It effectively neutralizes both Alpha- and Delta coronavirus variants.

Two studies of serum from Covaxin recipients by the NIH showed that antibodies are produced that neutralize the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), and B.1.617(Delta) variants, respectively, of SARS-CoV-2. These variants were first identified in India and the UK.

The American top-ranked health research institute has a strong history of scientific collaboration with India. It also stated that the adjuvant it developed and funded from it contributed to the success for the highly effective Covaxin, which has been administered in India to approximately 25 million people.

Adjuvants are substances that are added to a vaccine in order to increase immune responses and improve the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Covaxin is a disabled form of SARS/CoV-2, which cannot reproduce but stimulates the immune system’s production of antibodies against the virus. The NIH stated that published results from a phase two trial of the vaccine show that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated. They also said that safety data from a Phase 3 trial of Covaxin would be available in the latter part of this year.

It stated that interim results from phase 3 of the trial showed that vaccine had 78 percent efficacy against symptoms, 100% efficacy for severe COVID-19 including hospitalization, and 70% efficacy against asymptomatic infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

The NIH stated that two blood serum studies from Covaxin recipients showed that antibodies are produced by the vaccine that neutralize the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), and B.1.617(Delta) versions of SARS-CoV-2. These variants were first identified in India and the UK.

A global response is required to end a pandemic, stated Anthony S Fauci (director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH).

He said, “I am happy that a novel vaccine adjuvant created in the US with NIAID Support is part of an efficacious COVID-19 vaccination available to people in India.”

Alhydroxiquim-II was the adjuvant in Covaxin. It was developed and tested in a laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas by the biotech company ViroVax LLC with the support of the NIAID Adjuvant Development Program.

Alhydroxiquim-II, the first adjuvant to an approved vaccine against an infectious disease, activates receptors TLR7 & TLR8 which play an important role in the immune system’s response to viruses.

Alhydroxiquim-II also stimulates the immune system in its search for invading pathogens. The NIH stated that although Alhydroxiquim-II stimulates the immune system strongly through activating TLR receptors, side effects are minimal.

The NIH reports that the NIAID Adjuvant Program supported research by the founder and chief executive of ViroVax, Sunil David, M.D., PhD. since 2009. His research has been focused on the discovery of novel molecules that activate innate immuno receptors and their development as vaccine adjuvants.

Bharat Biotech International Ltd. of Hyderabad and Dr David formed a partnership during a meeting in India. This was under the auspices of NIAID’s Indo-US Vaccine Action Program.

A consultation was also held in New Delhi by NIAID and India’s Department of Biotechnology. It was hosted by India’s National Institute of Immunology

Bharat Biotech and Dr David signed a licensing agreement to allow them to use Alhydroxiquim II in their candidate vaccines. This license was extended to include Covaxin during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been granted Emergency Use Authorisations in India and over a dozen countries. The NIH stated that Bharat Biotech anticipates producing an estimated 700 million doses Covaxin by 2021.

Congrats India, Covaxin is effective on Delta