Covaxin neutralises double mutant strain: ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday said that Indian-made Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin neutralises multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively works against the double mutant strain as well.

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech, has received Emergency Use Authorisations (EUAs) for Covid-19 treatment in India and in several countries across the world with another 60 in the process, reports the NDTV citing the Press Trust of India. 

"ICMR study shows Covaxin neutralises against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 and effectively neutralises the double mutant strain as well," the ICMR tweeted.

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). It also has demonstrated the neutralisation potential of Covaxin against the UK variant and Brazil variant, the health research body said.

ICMR-NIV recently has been successful in isolating and culturing the double mutant strain B.1.617 SARS-CoV-2 identified in certain regions of India and several other countries, the ICMR stated.

"Covaxin has been found to effectively neutralise the double mutant strain as well," it said.