India gets needle-free Covid-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D, first of its kind for kids above 12 years

By Asianet Newsable English  |  First Published Aug 20, 2021, 9:40 PM IST

ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA-based vaccine to get the nod in any country.


Zydus Cadila, India's first indigenously-developed DNA-based vaccine, has received approval for Emergency Use Authorization from the Drug Controller General of India for ZyCoV-D.

The needle-free vaccine can now be administered in humans, including children and adults, 12 years and above.

Tap to resize

Latest Videos

Tap to resize

ZyCoV-D is the fifth vaccine cleared for use in the country after locally-produced Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, Serum Institute's Covishield, Russia's Sputnik V and the US-made Moderna. 

Zydus receives EUA from DCGI for ZyCoV-D, the only needle-free COVID vaccine in the world. pic.twitter.com/UmYUpPymx0

— Zydus Cadila (@ZydusUniverse)

Also, ZyCoV-D is the world's first DNA-based vaccine to get the nod in any country.

The clinical trials of the Plasmid DNA vaccine against COVID-19 were conducted in over 50 centres. The vaccine was reportedly found to be very well tolerated. The vaccine showed an efficacy of 66.6 per cent against symptomatic COVID-19 cases and 100 per cent for moderate disease.

After evaluation of interim Phase III clinical trial results in consultation with Subject Expert Committee, CDSCO has approved DNA COVID-19 vaccine (ZyCoV-D) of M/s Cadila Healthcare for restricted use in emergency situation in India for 12 years and above.

— CDSCO_INDIA_INFO (@CDSCO_INDIA_INF)

This was the first time that any COVID-19 vaccine had been tested in the adolescent population in the 12-18 years age group in India. 

The plasmid DNA platform is based on a plug and play technology that is ideally suited for dealing with COVID-19. It can be adapted to deal with virus mutations.

India is fighting COVID-19 with full vigour. The approval for world’s first DNA based ‘ZyCov-D’ vaccine of is a testimony to the innovative zeal of India’s scientists. A momentous feat indeed. https://t.co/kD3t7c3Waz

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

ZyCoV-D is applied using a 'needle-free injector', which Zydus claims will lead to a significant reduction in side effects.

click me!