VINCOV-19, first COVID antidote, completes phase 2 clinical trials

HYDERABAD: VINS Bioproducts Limited, a Hyderabad-based immunological company, in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), announced the successful completion of phase 2 clinical trials of VINCOV-19 on Tuesday. VINCOV-19 is India's first antidote and a potential cure against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. VINCOV-19 is now ready for market authorization and for simultaneous phase 3 clinical trials.

Phase 2 clinical trials were conducted across multiple centres in India and included over 200 patients. The phase 2 clinical trials also included testing the antidote against the Omicron variant to ensure maximum coverage against the virus and its known mutations. The trials were completed successfully in September 2022. During the phase 2 trial, VINCOV-19 showed an excellent safety profile.

Reportedly, there was a good and early improvement in the clinical condition of the patients who were under the dosage of VINCOV-19. It was also postulated in the trial that their passive administration should render maximal clinical benefits when they were applied at the early stages of the disease.

Speaking on the occasion, CCMB Director of CCMB Dr Vinay K Nandicoori said: "These therapeutic antibodies are the first in India and among the few around the globe. It is essential to have multiple options, including therapeutic antibodies, especially for severe clinical cases of COVID. It is a major step for the future targeted collaborations between academia and industry."

Speaking on the successful completion of the trials, VINS Bioproducts Limited CEO Siddharth Daga said, "The development of VINCOV-19 by VINS Bio is an affirmation of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and the collaboration between the three partners is a step in the right direction. We will urge the authorities to allow us market authorization so that we can strengthen our fight against COVID-19."