Govt Could've Waited a Month Before Authorizing Covaxin to Allay Concerns Says Former AIIMS Head
- 3 years ago
In an interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire, Dr. M.C. Misra – a former director of AIIMS and one of the 49 scientists who signed a letter defending the Modi government's decision to grant approval to Covaxin – was questioned about all the different concerns about Covaxin’s efficacy and equal treatment with Covishield.
On doubts about Covaxin’s efficacy because its Phase 3 efficacy data is not available he said: “Your doubts are very well placed”.
Dr. Misra told The Wire that although Covaxin’s Phase 3 trials are not complete he believed it had been cleared for three reasons.
First, it’s safe and there is sufficient basis for assuming a high degree of efficacy from its Phase 2 trials. Second, Bharat Biotech, the company that makes Covaxin, has an excellent track record. Third, in a pandemic situation we need to clear vaccines quickly for emergency use.
On doubts about Covaxin’s efficacy because its Phase 3 efficacy data is not available he said: “Your doubts are very well placed”.
Dr. Misra told The Wire that although Covaxin’s Phase 3 trials are not complete he believed it had been cleared for three reasons.
First, it’s safe and there is sufficient basis for assuming a high degree of efficacy from its Phase 2 trials. Second, Bharat Biotech, the company that makes Covaxin, has an excellent track record. Third, in a pandemic situation we need to clear vaccines quickly for emergency use.