Mumbai, September 6: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday approved Bharat Biotech's intranasal COVID-19 vaccine BBV-154, also called ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S. According to reports, the BBV-154 is the world's first intranasal vaccine against COVID-19. Reacting to the DGCI nod to BBV-154, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that it is a "big boost to India's fight against COVID-19".

"Big Boost to India's Fight Against COVID-19! Bharat Biotech's ChAd36-SARS-CoV-S COVID-19 (Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vectored) recombinant nasal vaccine approved by @CDSCO_INDIA_INF for primary immunization against COVID-19 in 18+ age group for restricted use in emergency situation," Mandaviya tweeted. Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine, Developed by Bharat Biotech, Gets Clearance for Emergency Use.

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The intranasal vaccine will be used to immunise 18 plus age group against COVID-19 in emergency situations. Here's everything you need to know about Bharat Biotech's intranasal COVID-19 vaccine BBV-154. Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine Approved in India: Bharat Biotech's Nasal Coronavirus Vaccine Gets DCGI Nod for Emergency Use.

Bharat Biotech Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine BBV-154: Key Features

  • The BBV-154 vaccine is also India's first nasal vaccine for coronavirus.

  • On its official website, Bharat Biotech said that the BBV154 is a novel adenovirus vectored, intranasal vaccine for COVID-19.

  • According to Bharat Biotech, the intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response as it neutralises IgG, mucosal IgA, and T cell responses.

  • Besides, the BBV154 vaccine also helps to immune the response at the site of infection i.e. the nasal mucosa. This means, the vaccine will help to block and stop the transmission of COVID-19.

  • The BBV-154 nasal vaccine is also likely to prevent infection and transmission besides preventing diseases.

  • Bharat Biotech has also stated that the nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organized immune systems of the nasal mucosa.

Some of the key highlights of the BBV-154 nasal vaccine include non-invasiveness, needle-free, ease of administration, and elimination of needle-associated risks. On the other hand, the vaccine can be used for both, children and adults. The BBV-154 nasal vaccine manufacturing can also be scaled in order to meet global demand.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2022 04:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).