J&J Plans To Conduct Bridging Trials Of Its Covid Vaccine In India, Awaits DCGI Nod: Report

United States (US) based pharmaceutical major Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is awaiting approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to begin bridging trials for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, reports Economic Times.

J&J is also working with Hyderabad based vaccine maker Biological E to manufacture its vaccine in India as part of a global arrangement to supply the jabs across the world. The tie-up had been announced in August last year.

However, it should be noted that the government has already allowed the import of COVID-19 vaccines which have been approved by the USFDA, without any bridging trials.

Chairman of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration Committee (NEGVAC), Dr VK Pual had also reiterated on Thursday (13 May) that international vaccine makers like J&J are welcome to apply for an import licence and the government would issue an approval in two days.

Despite this, it is unclear why the company wants to conduct a bridging trial in India.