India approves further trials for homegrown mRNA COVID-19 shot

Gennova’s vaccine prompts the human body to make a protein that is part of the virus to trigger an immune response.

India approves further clinical trials for its first homegrown mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, after the shot is found to be safe and effective in an early-stage study. The country has authorised emergency use for two domestically developed COVID-19 jabs, made by Bharat Biotech and Zydus Cadila, but does not have mRNA-based vaccines yet in its immunisation programme before a potential third coronavirus wave. Gennova plans to conduct a mid-stage study at 10 to 15 sites and a late-stage trial at 22 to 27 sites in India, the government said Tuesday in a statement. The company did not immediately comment.