The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved Corbivax and Kovovax vaccine and anti-viral drug Molnupiravir for emergency use. Health Minister Mansukh Mandvia has tweeted about this.


A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of the corona vaccine, Kovovax, by the Serum Institute for children. So now two more vaccines and a drug have been added to the fight against corona.

Mandvia tweeted that the Corbivax vaccine is India's first indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against corona, developed by Hyderabad-based Biological-E. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) has recommended the use of Serum Kovovax and Biological E by Corbivax for emergency use. Molnupiravir, an anti-viral corona pill, has also been recommended for emergency clearance in India.

The Indian government has earlier placed an advance order for 300 million doses of Corbevax vaccine manufactured by Hyderabad-based Biological E. The vaccine is made entirely in India. Corbivax will also be the cheapest corona vaccine available in India.

Adar Punawala had also said that the vaccine was safe and its quantity was proved after the WHO approved Kovovax. The WHO had clarified that the emergency approval was given to Kovovax on the basis of a report on the quality, safety and effectiveness of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and a risk management plan.

Meanwhile, Kovovax of Serum Institute of India was recommended by the expert committee of the country's Central Drug Authority to be allowed for emergency use with certain conditions. Prakash Kumar Singh, director of government and regulatory affairs at the Serum Institute of India, submitted an application to the Drug Controller of India (DGCI) in October, requesting permission for limited use of Kovovax in case of emergency.

On November 27, the expert committee evaluated and considered SII's application and asked Serum to provide additional information. After the announcement of the Prime Minister, from January 1, people between the ages of 15 and 18 will be able to register for the vaccine on the 'Covin' portal. The only vaccine option for them would be covacin. Preparations are underway to start vaccinating children from January 3.