A Hyderabad laboratory has said that it has developed the world’s first vaccine against the Zika virus. NDTV reported that Bharat Biotech International Limited has patented the vaccine, after applying for it nine months ago. Scientists at the laboratory in fact have said that they developed two vaccines, not just one.
Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director at Bharat Biotech, said the company had contacted the government regarding the vaccines. Ella also said the Prime Minister has been informed about the vaccine, and that the company has sought Narendra Modi’s help in developing the vaccine as fast as possible. Ella told NDTV that at best, Bharat Biotech could make a million doses of it in four months if fast-tracked.
The Indian Council of Medical Research also reportedly offered to assist the company with the process of taking the vaccine through human and animal trials. Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief of ICMR, told NDTV that the vaccine is a good example of a Make in India product, and that the council would examine it.
The World Health Organisation said last week that the virus is spreading explosively and declared it an international public health emergency. It has been detected in over 20 countries so far. Zika has also been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads, associated with incomplete brain development. It has led many countries, including India, to issue advisories against women getting pregnant in affected areas. The first case of the virus having been transmitted via sex was reported this week in the United States.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!