ZyCoV-D

ZyCoV-D is a DNA vaccine for COVID-19 developed by Cadila Healthcare, an Indian pharmaceutical company. It was authorized for emergency use in India in August 2021. ZyCoV-D is the world's first plasmid DNA vaccine for human use and the first COVID-19 vaccine to be administered using a needle-free system.

Development

ZyCoV-D was developed by the Vaccine Technology Centre of Cadila Healthcare in Ahmedabad, India. The vaccine is based on the plasmid DNA technology, which uses a small, circular piece of DNA called a plasmid that has been engineered to carry the gene of interest. In the case of ZyCoV-D, the plasmid carries the gene for the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

Efficacy

In Phase III clinical trials, ZyCoV-D demonstrated an efficacy of 66.6% against symptomatic COVID-19 cases. The vaccine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated with no serious safety concerns reported.

Administration

ZyCoV-D is administered in three doses, with the second dose given 28 days after the first, and the third dose given 56 days after the first. The vaccine is administered using a needle-free system, which is expected to reduce pain, anxiety, and needle-stick injuries.

Authorization

ZyCoV-D was granted emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in August 2021. It is the sixth vaccine to be authorized for use in India and the second home-grown vaccine after Covaxin.

See also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 pandemic in India
• Cadila Healthcare
• DNA vaccine
• Plasmid

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