Covaxin: SRM Hospital launches 3rd phase trials

Kattankulathur: SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRM MCHRC), Kattankulathur has successfully completed two phases of human testing of the Covaxin trial and the third phase for the same began on Monday, December 7, said SRM MCHRC's Pro-Chancellor (Academics) Dr. P Sathyanarayanan.

Speaking at a press meet held at the launch of the third phase of the Covaxin trial in the hospital, he said that the number of patients who will be tested in this final phase will be over 1,000. "Until now we have received 500 volunteers for the test. We will be taking in more volunteers till the end of December 2020. We are trying our best to make this work, as it will be India's first indigenous vaccine," he added.

Also present were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Medical and Health Sciences) Dr Lt Col Dr A Ravi Kumar, dean Dr A Sundaram, medical superintendent Dr K Thangaraj, deputy medical superintendent Dr R Balamurugan, director (communication) R Nandakummar and principal investigator for Covaxin Dr Satyajit Mahopatra along with Dr. Melvin George.

"Any person above 18 years of age and had not suffered Covid-19 illness in the past can participate as a volunteer in this trial. Pregnant women are excluded. The vaccine shot will be administered twice, 28 days apart," said principal investigator Dr Satyajit Mahopatra.

The hospital will be able to conduct the trial for 50 people a day. Once the process is successful, the vaccine will be approved on a fast track basis. SRM MCHRC is currently treating 21 Covid patients and on average 80 people are screened for the infection.

The first phase of human trials at SRM MCHRC began in July 2020 with 30 volunteers. The second phase was done in August in which 45 volunteers participated. In both these phases, the safety of the vaccine was ascertained. Those wishing to volunteer for this clinical trial can call 7598951868, 7358026002, 044-47432341 or email to srm.covaxin2020@gmail.com.