
MUMBAI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Indian biotech company Bharat Biotech has commenced phase III clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine involving 26,000 volunteers across the country, the company said in a statement on Monday.
This is India's first Phase III efficacy study for a COVID-19 vaccine, and the largest phase III efficacy trial ever conducted in the country approved by the drug regulator, the statement said.
Volunteers will randomly receive two intramuscular injections approximately over 28 days apart. The trial is double blinded, such that the investigators, the participants and the company will not be aware of who is assigned to which group, the statement said.
The proposed novel vaccine by Bharat Biotech is developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology.
India has reported 130,070 deaths due to COVID-19 and currently has 465,478 active cases with over 8.2 million patients discharged till date, as per the official government data.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses