Omicron-specific mRNA Booster Vaccine – GEMCOVAC® -OM
The Indian Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, recently initiated the rollout of GEMCOVAC® -OM. This is a specialized mRNA-based Booster vaccine, tailored to provide immunity against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
This revolutionary vaccine is a first in India in terms of its mRNA formulation, with the technological basis being pioneered domestically by Gennova. The funding for this landmark project was sourced from India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Singh expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the DBT realise its vision of fostering entrepreneurship rooted in technological innovation. He added that this aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s ambition of fostering self-reliance, by establishing a technological platform that anticipates future needs.
One of the distinguishing aspects of GEMCOVAC® -OM is its ability to maintain efficacy without needing ultra-cold storage, a feature not present in other mRNA-based vaccines. This advantage facilitates its distribution even in distant regions of the country. Another unique feature is that the vaccine can be delivered without a traditional needle injection.
The development of GEMCOVAC® -OM is part of a wider series of projects
supported by the Indian government under the banner of the COVID Suraksha Mission. This initiative, run by the DBT and BIRAC as a component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 package, has spearheaded the accelerated creation of India-centric COVID-19 vaccines.Further elaborating on the wider achievements of the COVID Suraksha Mission, Dr Singh highlighted the development of the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19, and support for the country’s premier mRNA and intranasal vaccine candidates, as well as a subunit vaccine against COVID-19. He also mentioned that this technology could be adapted to create vaccines for other diseases in a relatively expedited timeline.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stewardship, the DBT and BIRAC have spent the past nine years building a formidable ecosystem for vaccine research and development within India. In his speech, Dr Singh acknowledged several initiatives designed to bolster primary and applied vaccine research. These include the Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme, the National Biopharma Mission, the Ind-CEPI Mission, and the Mission COVID Suraksha, all part of Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to deliver secure, efficient, affordable, and easily accessible indigenous COVID-19 vaccines to all Indian citizens.
Latest News on Omicron-specific mRNA Booster Vaccine – GEMCOVAC® -OM
