ZyCoV-D, world’s first plasmid DNA vaccine, okayed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 20

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila on Friday received emergency use authorisation from the drug controller for its three-dose ZyCoV-D Covid-19 vaccine, the world’s first plasmid DNA-based shot.

The three-dose ZyCoV-D is India’s sixth approved Covid shot after Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.

Zydus Cadila calls the vaccine “a no injection”, saying it has a needle-free application system in place to administer the shots.

The vaccine is also the first in India to be tested among 12 to 18 year olds, with the company saying it is safe for children.

“ZyCoV-D is the world’s first and India’s indigenously developed DNA-based vaccine for Covid-19 to be administered to humans, including children and adults 12 years and above. It has been developed in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology,” said DBT secretary Renu Swarup.

The three-dose vaccine when injected produces the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and elicits an immune response.