According to a recent New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) report, over 40 vaccines against the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) are presently being developed globally. One notable example is taking place at the Serum Institute of India, located in Pune, Maharashtra. Among the 40 vaccines, only two have reached the clinical trial stage. Experts predict that a viable vaccine could be available within the next 12-18 months at the earliest.
Understanding Clinical Trials and the Urgency of Vaccine Development
Clinical trials are forms of research that experiment with new tests and treatments to evaluate their effects on human health. The NEJM report, penned by researchers connected to the Coalition for Epidic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), emphasized the urgency in accelerating vaccine development. CEPI, a non-governmental organization funded by international bodies and various countries, was established in 2017. Its primary mission is to expedite the development of vaccines against emergent infectious diseases and ensure their accessibility during outbreaks. As countless people around the world face the risk of infection, the pace of vaccine development is crucial.
Vaccine Development: A Roller Coaster Ride
The race towards creating a vaccine isn’t just about saving lives; it also has significant financial implications. In the past, epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Zika ended before the completion of the vaccine development process. This led federal funding agencies to reallocate funds previously assigned for vaccine development. Consequently, manufacturers suffered financial losses, hindering other vaccine development programs.
How Soap and Alcohol Sanitizers Combat Coronaviruses
The novel coronavirus consists of a lipid envelope that soap–a detergent–and alcohol can destroy. These spikes allow the virus to latch onto human cells, which then undergo a structural change that facilitates fusion between the viral and cell membranes. This process enables the viral genes to enter and replicate within the host cell. An outer fatty layer known as the envelope protects this structure.
When alcohol (in a concentration of over 60%) or soap come into contact with this envelope, they disrupt it, effectively killing the virus. Hand washing for at least 20 seconds effectively destroys the virus.
Indian Government Measures Against COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indian Government has taken significant steps, including designating hand sanitizers as essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Shift From HIV Drugs to Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin
As per guidelines issued on March 31, 2020, a combination of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and antibiotic azithromycin has been recommended for treating severe patients. The previous guidelines, dated March 17, 2020, included the use of Anti HIV drugs Ritonavir and Lopinavir, which now stand repealed due to their proven ineffectiveness against COVID-19. India has decided to participate in World Health Organization trials examining the efficacy of various drug combinations.
Assisting Stranded Foreigners in India
The Ministry of Tourism introduced a portal titled ‘Stranded in India’ to provide information to foreign tourists stuck in the country. The portal includes information regarding services available to them, control centers, tourism support infrastructure, and COVID-19 helpline numbers.
IIT’s Contribution to the Fight Against COVID-19
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are offering low-cost solutions to assist the government in combatting the COVID-19 outbreak. These include affordable ventilators, testing kits, and personal protective equipment for health workers. The IITs have also asked for government help in tying up with Public Sector Units (PSUs) to increase prototype production and alleviate difficulties in procuring raw material due to the lockdown.
One example is IIT-Guwahati, which has developed a 3D-printed full-face shield, robotic cart for food delivery in isolation wards, and high-grade sanitizer. They are seeking government aid for large-scale manufacturing. Indian Institutes of Technology are the leading institutions for engineering education and research and are recognized as “Institutions of national importance.”
