In recent years, the topic of vaccines has been the subject of many debates. Staunch critics of vaccination have attributed the process to the rise in the number of autistic children. The original paper, which was written by Andrew Wakefield in 1998, has since been proven fraudulent however the notion that vaccines cause mental retardation has been thrust into the mainstream.
Despite apprehensions in vaccines, there is no denying how dire the need for one to prevent the further spread of the Zika Virus. According to several reports, the road to a Zika virus vaccine would be arduous. Not only do scientists lack sufficient knowledge about the disease, it would take years before the vaccine is perfected. Fortunately however an Indian pharmaceutical firm has recently announced that they have successfully developed a shot for the Zika Virus.
Mere hours ago Indian pharmaceutical firm, Bharat Biotech International Limited, has claimed its stake not one but two Zika virus vaccines. According to officials from Bharat Biotech, they have filed a patent for the vaccine nine months ago.
"On Zika, we are probably the first vaccine company in the world to file a vaccine candidate patent about nine months ago," explained Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of the company.
The Indian Council of Medical Research have since commented on the recent breakthrough. While the government agency is excited about the leading scientific development, they assure the public that proper examination of the vaccine would be enacted.
"We have just been informed about the Zika vaccine candidate that Bharat Biotech has. We will examine it from the scientific point of view and see the feasibility of taking it forward. It is a good example of a Make in India product" explained Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a paediatrician and the Director of the Indian Council of Medical Research.
