New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a partnership with Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) to develop a fully indigenous vaccine using the virus strain isolated at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
The strain has been successfully transferred from NIV to Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL).
Work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners.
The ICMR-NIV will provide continuous support to BBIL for vaccine development.
ICMR and BBIL will seek fast-track approvals to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine, a statement issued by the apex health research body said.
Meanwhile, the total number of coronavirus cases in India surged to 62,939 after 3,277 covid-19 infections were detected in past 24 hours, showed figures released by the Health Ministry Sunday morning.
The death toll due to coronavirus-related complications increased to 2,109. In 24 hours, the death toll rose by 128.
There are 41,472 active coronavirus cases in the country while 19,357 have been cured/discharged.