Know how long monkeypox vaccine is available, 29 companies shortlisted for test kits

Expectations about getting the monkeypox vaccine are high. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV-Pune) have shortlisted 29 pharma companies to develop a monkeypox vaccine and diagnostic kit.

Know how long monkeypox vaccine is available, 29 companies shortlisted for test kits

What has been the success so far?

In early June, ICMR researchers isolated a strain of the monkeypox virus. He then appealed to pharmaceutical companies and in-vitro diagnostic kit manufacturers to help develop monkeypox vaccines and kits.

Which company came forward?

According to a government official, ICMR has received applications from Serum Institute of India, Biological E, Hefkin Institute, Mumbai and Indian Immunological Institute. According to an ICMR scientist, 31 applications were received from pharma companies, of which 29 applications were summarized in the last meeting. 8 pharma companies have sent applications to ICMR to develop monkeypox vaccine, while 23 companies have shown interest in developing testing kits.

How long will it take to make the vaccine and kit?

Shortlisting 29 companies does not mean that all of them will be part of the project. Their documents will be verified and their experience will be evaluated before ICMR cooperates with them. The evaluation will take time, then a formal contract will be made with the company.

What is the status of monkeypox in the country and in the world?

So far 10 cases of monkeypox have been reported in India. Kerala and Delhi have five cases each. The US government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 19,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported worldwide. Smallpox vaccine is currently used on monkeypox patients.

Also read: Fifth monkeypox patient found in Delhi, admitted to LNJP

Monkeypox vaccine will be tested in India or not? A final decision will be taken next week