HYDERABAD: Bharat Biotech has asked to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for permission to begin Phase 3 trials of its Covid-19 intranasal vaccine, according to sources.

The Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer has submitted an application for Phase 3 trials of an intranasal vaccine (BBV154) and is seeking approval."Intranasal vaccinations have the potential to stop the spread of disease. In mass immunisation programmes, an intranasal vaccine as a booster dose will be easier to administer."

Covaxin and BBV154 were used in Phase 2 trials, according to sources. "An novel heterologous method is using a mixture of one intramuscular and the other nasal," they stated. Those who have already received both intramuscular vaccine doses can receive the intranasal vaccine as a booster dose.

The intranasal vaccine as a booster dosage, according to health experts, would be a crucial weapon in India's fight against Covid-19, especially as Omicron, the latest version, spreads rapidly across the country. Covaxin from Bharat Biotech and Covishield from Serum Institute of India are the two vaccines now being utilised in India's current Covid-19 vaccination campaign, which began in January this year.

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