Published 18:16 IST, January 9th 2021
MP CM clarifies on death of man 10 days after COVAXIN trial, terms it as a ‘misconception'
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, urged people to desist from spreading misconceptions on vaccines, after a man died 10 days after COVAXIN trials
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Update at 6:15 PM : Bharat Biotech issues statement
As per post-mortem report by Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardiorespiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well: Bharat Biotech https://t.co/u9otZgir0T
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021
Amid Indian vaccines being politicised, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, urged people to desist from spreading misconceptions on vaccines, after a man died ten days after he participated in the clinical trial for Covaxin held at a private hospital. While the post-mortem report suggested poisoning, Chouhan stated that the matter must be handled sensitively so that the vaccination rollout will not be affected. The state government is awaiting the deceased's viscera test reports.
MP CM urges to desist from misconception
Viscera sent for testing. I urge all to take this matter sensitively so that no unnecessary misconception on vaccine is formed that'll affect vaccination. Report will come but I'm confident that if there's after-effect it shows in 24 hrs or 2-3 days, not after several days: MP CM https://t.co/IAoaV4TmkP pic.twitter.com/dyoPlGJniS
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021
Man dies 10 days after COVAXIN trial
A 42-year-old volunteer from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh died nearly ten days after he participated in the clinical trial for Covaxin held at a private hospital, its vice-chancellor said on Saturday. While a government official suspected poisoning but added that the exact cause of the death will be known after the viscera test. Dr Rajesh Kapur, Vice-Chancellor, People's Medical College and Hospital where the trial was conducted, told PTI that Deepak Marawi had participated in the Covaxin trial held on December 12, 2020.
"After Marawi's death on December 21, we informed the Drug Controller General of India and Bharat Biotech, which is the producer and sponsor of the trial," Dr Kapur said. He added, "All protocols were followed and Marawi's consent was taken before allowing him to participate in the trial". Dr Kapur, however, said he cannot confirm whether Marawi was administered the vaccine shot or was given a placebo. "We monitored his health for 7 to 8 days," he claimed.
"When he returned home he felt uneasy and experienced some health problems. He complained of shoulder pain on December 17. Two days later, he spewed foam. He refused to see a doctor saying he would be alright in a day or two. When his condition deteriorated, he was being rushed to hospital but he died midway (on December 21)," said the deceased's family.
DCGI gives nod to COVISHIELD & COVAXIN
On Sunday, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) VG Somani announced that the vaccines of Serum Institue of India (Covishield) and Bharat Biotech (Covaxin) have been granted permission for restricted use in an emergency situation. Covishield - a Recombinant Chimpanzee Adenovirus vector vaccine - has an efficacy of 70.42%, with interim safety and immunogenicity data of Phase-II/III trials submitted to the SEC. Covaxin - a Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine - 22,500 participants vaccinated in Phase-III trials and was found to be safe as per the data available till date. Meanwhile, Zydus-Cadilla's nCov-Vaccine using DNA platform technology has been allowed to conduct Phase-III clinical trial in 26000 Indian participants. After a day of heavy politicisation over the vaccines and their approvals, the two manufacturers - Serum Institute of India & Bharat Biotech issued a joint statement pledging global access to their vaccines.
16:14 IST, January 9th 2021