A World Health Organisation (WHO) panel has recommended Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status for Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, sources in the know of the development said.
"The Technical Advisory Group has recommended Emergency Use Listing status for Covaxin," a source told PTI.
The TAG-EUL is an independent advisory group that provides recommendations to WHO on whether a COVID-19 vaccine can be listed for emergency use under the EUL procedure.
The WHO is evaluating Covaxin's clinical trial data for use of EUL.
The TAG, on October 26, had sought "additional clarifications" from the company for Covaxin to conduct a final "risk-benefit assessment" for Emergency Use Listing of the vaccine.
Covaxin has demonstrated 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 and 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant.
In June, the company said it concluded the final analysis of Covaxin efficacy from Phase 3 trials.
Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and AstraZeneca and Oxford University's Covishield are the two widely used vaccines in India.
Earlier today, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved the extension of shelf life of Covaxin up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.
Also, Australia, on November 1, had recognised Covaxin, allowing entry for travellers who had received the Indian COVID vaccine.
The other countries which have given approval to Covaxin are Guyana, Iran, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Zimbabwe, Australia, Oman, Sri Lanka, Estonia and Greece.
(With PTI inputs)
