ICMR to conduct trials of indigenously developed Zika vaccine

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will soon undertake trials of the indigenously developed vaccine against Zika virus, cases of which have been reported in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The ICMR will undertake phase-II trial of the vaccine to establish the efficacy and safety of the vaccine along with its adverse effects, an unnamed senior official was quoted as saying in an Economic Times report.

Vaccines manufacturer, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, has developed a vaccine, which they claim will provide protection against infection caused by an Asian Zika virus strain as well as by the African Zika virus strain, the official said. The company had developed the vaccine around two years ago. At that time, there was no outbreak of Zika in India as it was only restricted to Latin America.

“There is a breakout in some states. Vector control is one of the most challenging work. Thus, the vaccine, if its efficacy is proved, is a better strategy,” the official said.

The process for regulatory approvals to carry out the trial will be initiated soon, he informed.

The Zika virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain.