“Results of two studies of blood serum from people who received Covaxin suggest that the vaccine generates antibodies which effectively neutralize the Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2,” the NIH study says.
The US National Institute of Health (NIH) said on Tuesday that Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, “effectively neutralizes” both Alpha and Delta variants of coronavirus.
“Results of two studies of blood serum from people who received Covaxin suggest that the vaccine generates antibodies which effectively neutralize the Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2,” the NIH study says.
Covaxin effectively neutralises both Alpha, Delta variants of Covid-19: US' top health institute
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Alpha or the B.1.1.7 variant was first detected in the UK, while Delta or the B1.617 variant was first found in India.
Covaxin comprises a disabled form of SARS-CoV-2 that cannot replicate but still stimulates the immune system to make antibodies against the virus. Published results from a phase 2 trial of the vaccine indicate that it is safe and well-tolerated, the NIH said, adding that safety data from a phase 3 trial of Covaxin will become available later this year.
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“Meanwhile, unpublished interim results from the phase 3 trial indicate that the vaccine has 78 percent efficacy against symptomatic disease, 100 percent efficacy against severe COVID-19, including hospitalization, and 70 percent efficacy against asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,” it said.
NIH further said an adjuvant developed with funding from it has contributed to Covaxin’s success, describing the shot as “highly efficacious.” An adjuvant is a substance formulated as part of a vaccine to boost immune responses and enhance its effectiveness.
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