The 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 will start today (7th December 2020), says 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 trail in the hospital, he said that the number of patients who will be tested in this final phase will be over 1000.
“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.
“Any person above 18 years of age and had not suffered COVID19 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 for COVAXIN, 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.