The World Health Organization (WHO) has further delayed the emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin--the COVID-19 vaccine developed in India--as the global body has sent more technical queries to its manufacturer, NDTV reported quoting sources.
On Friday, the Union Health Ministry had hinted that WHO's emergency use authorization to Covaxin is expected soon.
"There is a procedure of submitting the documents for approval. WHO's emergency use authorization to Covaxin is expected soon," said Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar who is currently the Union Minister of State in the Health Ministry.
According to Bharat Biotech, Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent.
All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) and all clarifications by the UN health agency have been responded to Bharat Biotech.
"We have responded to clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines," the Hyderabad based company said in a statement.
Earlier speaking to news agency ANI, Chairperson of National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration and Member of Health for NITI Aayog, Dr VK Paul said that the WHO's approval for Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin is likely to come before the end of this month.
However, this further delay will be a setback to international travel plans of the Indians.
Meanwhile, the WHO has approved COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna and Sinopharm till date.
(With ANI inputs)
