Last Updated on July 3, 2020, 1:58 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, is confident that the COVID-19 vaccine will be developed at the University of Oxford and it would hit the markets by the end of this year.
The CEO of SII, 39-year-old Adar Poonawalla said on Thursday that the clinical trials of the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine have now progressed to Phase III and based on the results, SII is expecting to mass-produce the vaccine in the near future.
He added that currently, over 100 vaccine candidates are at different stages of trials. Each one would take their own time, and he hopes that the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine would be made available by the end of the year, SII is optimistic that it would be a productive and effective vaccine for COVID-19.
The company is planning on conducting the final (Phase III) trials in India too. After the initial human trials so far, the vaccine is being considered safe even for people who have a weak immune system.
AstraZeneca and SII reached a licensing agreement last month for the supply of one billion doses of the vaccine candidate to the low and middle-income countries, including India.
Oxford University claimed in April that the vaccine would be made available in the market on a non-profit basis.
The CEO said regarding the likely cost that once the development of the vaccine starts, then they will be able to take a decision regarding the cost.
However, he added that they are certain that it would be affordable in cost. Hopefully, it will be procured and distributed by the Governments of the low and middle-income countries without charge.
Additionally, he claimed that the facility of his company is well-equipped for manufacturing the vaccine.
SII is planning on starting the production in around two months, and it has invested over $100 million on this facility.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
