VINS Bioproducts bags DCGI nod to begin VINCOV-19 trials

It further stated that as part of development, the company selected the inactivated virus domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein as an immunogen. The results indicated that the product has a high neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-2.

Since neutralising antibodies could block the internalisation of SARS-CoV-2 to lung cells, it was postulated that their passive administration should render maximal clinical benefits if they are applied at the early stages of the disease, it said.

Speaking on the commencement of the clinical trials, which have been approved by the DCGI, Siddharth Daga, Chief Executive Officer, VINS Bioproducts Limited said, "The development of VINCOV-19, in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and the University of Hyderabad and under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is a significant breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19. We feel extremely privileged that we have been able to use our collective resources and expertise in developing this cure and are proud to lead this fight against COVID-19."

It said that the clinical plan is to administer the hyperimmune serum to patients with moderate to severe disease according to the published COVID-19 treatment guidelines as soon as they are detected positive. This reinforces the idea that the therapeutic strategy, with equine antibodies, will play a significant role in managing COVID-19 and the ensuing pandemic.

As per the statement, the pre-clinical trials for VINCOV-19, which began in October 2020, were "very successful". VINS Bioproducts Limited produced F(ab')2 polyclonal antibodies that proved to have high neutralising capacity, it further said.