Covaxin effective on double mutant coronavirus strain: ICMR

Indigenously-developed COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin is effective against multiple variants of coronavirus, including the double mutant strain, says ICMR, the apex body for biomedical research. The statement comes amid report that experts have identified a new strain — a triple mutation — in India.

(Read more: Triple mutation of coronavirus reported in India) 

“ICMR study shows Covaxin neutralises against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well,” the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) tweeted on Wednesday.

ICMR-National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated and cultured multiple variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 virus: B.1.1.7 (the UK variant), B.1.1.28 (Brazil variant ) and B.1.351 (South Africa variant), PTI added.

(Read more: New COVID-19 vaccines knocking at India’s door)

The Bharat Biotech vaccine was granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 treatment in India and in several countries across the world.

This ICMR statement comes on the day reports emerged of experts identifying a triple mutation, where three different COVID strains combine to form a new variant.

“This is a more transmissible variant. It is making lots of people sick very quickly,” said Madhukar Pai, professor of epidemiology at McGill University, according to ndtv.com. Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal are believed to have cases caused by the triple mutant.

Pai added that India needs genome sequencing on war footing to counter this new strain. Genome sequencing, the study of genetic structures of an organism and the changes it is undergoing, helps experts identify origins of the virus and its mutations making treatment and vaccine research easier. It helps scientists stay ahead of the COVID curve.

India on Tuesday recorded 295,041 new COVID19 cases and 2,023 deaths. The second wave of COVID in India has been very aggressive and fast-spreading.