According to Reuters, Tata Sons’ newly-formed medical research department, the Tata Medical & Diagnostics has commenced some meetings with US-based drug manufacturer Moderna to talk about a possible partnership between the two.
Moderna’s Coronavirus vaccine, namely mRNA COVID-19, has received its economic support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI is a part of the World Health Organization’s COVAX facility, which was formed so that a fair distribution of vaccines among countries could be ensured.
This business, as well as socially productive decision comes with ongoing vaccination drive in the country. India has begun its vaccination program against COVID-19. The government plans to inoculate 300 million people by August 2021.
Since foreign companies introducing drugs in India have to conduct a fresh set of bridge trials on Indian volunteers for approval, Tata Sons may also join hands with the Centre’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct clinical trials of the Moderna vaccine in India.
Tata Group’s bagging of the deal will be definitely good news because India has a substantial population, thereby directly affecting the vaccination demand of the country as well. Apart from the already in-work Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India vaccines, Moderna vaccine will be able to provide good support for the immunization program.
