Bharat Biotech likely to begin Covaxin trials on children from next month

Bharat Biotech may commence paediatric trials of its Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin from June, a senior company official said. The vaccine maker has already received permission to carry out trials on children aged 2-18 years.

Bharat Biotech's Business Development & International Advocacy Head, Dr Raches Ella, exuded confidence that vaccine for kids may get the license in the third quarter of this year.

Holding a virtual conversation with members of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad on "All About Vaccines, he said that the company expected approval from the



World Health Organisation (WHO) for Covaxin by the end of third or fourth quarter.

Ella also said Bharat Biotech will be ramping up manufacturing capacity of Covaxin to 700 million doses by the end of this year.

"We are happy to have the full support of the government because of which we are able to stand where we are today in this journey. The vaccine is co-developed by us and ICMR. The Government placed an advanced purchase order of Rs 1,500 crore. This will help us to increase our risk appetite. That is why we are expanding to Bangalore and Gujarat," he said.