Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday told Rajya Sabha that India will be the first country to develop a DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine even as other manufactures are steadily ramping up production.
“It is a matter of great pride for us that our scientists will be the first to develop a DNA vaccine,” the minister said.
Mandaviya was referring to drug maker Zydus Cadila, which has applied for emergency use authorisation of its DNA vaccine.
Also watch: 67.6% Indians have Covid-19 anti-bodies, 40 crore still vulnerable: Health Ministry
Mandaviya said while Serum Institute of India has begun providing 11-12 crore doses of Covishied vaccine every month, Biological E is conducting third-phase trial of its vaccine, which is expected to come in the market by September-October with 7.5 crore doses.