Amidst rising coronavirus cases and the looming threat of the Omicron variant which is known to cause infection at a faster rate, India is looking to boost its efforts to fight against the pandemic. The Centre today reportedly cleared two new vaccines and one anti-viral drug.

The two vaccines approved for use in India for emergency use are called Corbevax and Covovax as per updates from the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. Covovax is a US-based vaccine by drug manufacturer Novavax and the Indian version will be manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Meanwhile, Corbevax is produced by Hyderabad-based Biological E Limited.

Congratulations India 🇮🇳

Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO, @MoHFW_INDIA has given 3 approvals in a single day for:

– CORBEVAX vaccine
– COVOVAX vaccine
– Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir

For restricted use in emergency situation. (1/5)

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 28, 2021

This is a major move for the country’s response to the pandemic. Currently, there are eight available vaccines including the earlier approved Covishield, Covaxin, ZyCoV-D, Sputnixk V, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson. The newer vaccines are reportedly being considered for booster shots but we’ll know more once fresh updates arrive.

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The most significant move is the approval of the anti-viral drug Molnupiravir which will be manufactured in India and will be available only for emergency use to treat high-risk cases. The pill which is a 200-milligram capsule is reported to be taken orally at 12-hour intervals for five days – a total of 40 single capsules. Molnupiravir will be administered to treat mild and moderate COVID-19 cases. The drug comes from Merck & Co. and the company has a licensing deal with Indian companies including Cipla Limited, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hetero Labs Ltd and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd for manufacturing and distribution.

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