Covaxin found to be 77.8% effective against coronavirus: Lancet study

New Delhi : Bharat Biotech's Covaxin has been found to be 77.8 per cent effective against coronavirus in a long-awaited analysis done by Lancet.

Covaxin uses the inactivated-virus technology and the study has found that it "induces a robust antibody response" two weeks after two doses are given. During the randomized trial of the vaccine, no severe side effects or deaths were reported between Nov 2020 and May 2021.

The interim study that has been funded by ICMR and Bharat Biotech revealed that the results were in line of company's earlier efficacy and safety announcements.

Last week, World Health Organization (WHO) approved Covaxin for emergency use.

Bharat Biotech's Chairman Krishna Ella had previously lashed out at those questioning Covaxin and this week told a conference that WHO approval took as long as it did due to criticism toward the vaccine, which hurt its image.

Covaxin is among the three vaccines which are being inoculated to prevent people from coronavirus. Covishield and Sputnik V are other vaccines which are being administered to Indian residents. 

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