India clears two more Covid vaccines, one pill

The Indian government has cleared two more Covid vaccines – Corbevax and Covovax – and one anti-viral pill Molnupiravir, which can be used during emergency only, after being approved by drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

India today touched 781 fresh Omicron cases, with Delhi topping the chart with 238 cases, including 57 recoveries.
India today touched 781 fresh Omicron cases, with Delhi topping the chart with 238 cases, including 57 recoveries. Photo courtesy: Needpix

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on Covid- of CDSCO recommended giving nod to emergency use authorisation (EUA) to both the vaccines with certain conditions.

Taking to Twitter, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Congratulations India. Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO, @MoHFW_INDIA has given 3 approvals in a single day for: – CORBEVAX vaccine – COVOVAX vaccine – Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir For restricted use in an emergency situation”.

India today touched 781 fresh Omicron cases, with Delhi topping the chart with 238 cases, including 57 recoveries.

Maharashtra is second with 167 Omicron cases including 72 recoveries. Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, West Bengal have two-digit figures of Omicron cases, according to health ministry data.

The rapid spread of the latest variant of SARS-CoV-2 also impacted India’s total tally of cases as it recorded around a 44% surge from Tuesday with 9,195 cases.