Zycov-D: The Needle Free COVID Vaccine by Zydus
4 min read
The world is battling a pandemic that has brought normal life to a standstill. COVID-19 has claimed millions of lives, and scientists and researchers worldwide are racing against time to find a cure. The development of vaccines has given hope to people all over the world, and the latest addition to this list is Zycov D vaccine by Zydus Cadila.
Zydus Cadila is a leading pharmaceutical company based in India, and its vaccine, Zycov-D, is the first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been approved for emergency use in India and has been touted as a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Zycov D vaccine and how it works, along with its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Zycov-D Vaccine: How it Works
Zycov D vaccine is a DNA vaccine, which means it contains genetic material that codes for the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is the same protein that the virus uses to enter human cells and cause infection. The vaccine is administered through a needle-free injector, which uses a high-pressure stream of fluid to penetrate the skin and deliver the vaccine directly into the muscle tissue.
Once the vaccine is injected, the DNA in the vaccine enters the cells in the muscle tissue and instructs them to produce the spike protein. The immune system recognizes the spike protein as foreign and mounts an immune response, producing antibodies that can neutralize the virus if the person is exposed to it in the future.
Vaccine is administered in three doses, with the second dose given 28 days after the first and the third dose given 56 days after the first. The vaccine has been found to be effective in preventing COVID-19, with clinical trials showing an efficacy rate of 66.6% after the second dose and 66.5% after the third dose.
Benefits Of Zycov D Vaccine
Zycov-D vaccine has several potential benefits over other COVID-19 vaccines. The most significant benefit is that it is a needle-free vaccine, which means it does not require a needle injection. This feature makes the vaccine more accessible and less intimidating for people who fear needles.
Another benefit of Zycov D vaccine is that it is a DNA-based vaccine, which uses a small, circular DNA molecule called a plasmid to stimulate the body’s immune response. This method is considered safe and effective as it allows for targeted and precise activation of the immune system.
The vaccine also has the potential to be more effective against new variants of the COVID-19 virus. As the vaccine uses the full-length spike protein of the virus, it is better equipped to generate a broad immune response that can recognize and neutralize multiple strains of the virus.
Conclusion
Overall, Zycov D vaccine offers several potential benefits over other COVID-19 vaccines, including its needle-free delivery, DNA-based technology, potential effectiveness against new variants, and ease of storage and distribution. With promising results from clinical trials, Zycov D vaccine has the potential to become a valuable tool in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zycov-D?
Zycov-D is a vaccine developed by Zydus Cadila, an Indian pharmaceutical company, to protect against COVID-19.
How is Zycov-D different from other COVID-19 vaccines?
Zycov-D is a DNA vaccine, while most other COVID-19 vaccines are either mRNA or vector-based vaccines. Additionally, Zycov-D is administered using a needle-free injector, which eliminates the need for a traditional needle injection.
How effective is Zycov-D?
Zydus Cadila has reported that Zycov-D has an efficacy rate of 66.6% against symptomatic COVID-19 cases in clinical trials. The vaccine has also shown good safety and tolerability profiles.
How is Zycov-D administered?
Zycov-D is administered using a needle-free injector called the PharmaJet Stratis. The injector uses a high-pressure stream of fluid to penetrate the skin and deliver the vaccine.
Is Zycov-D approved for use in India?
Yes, Zycov-D received emergency use authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in August 2021.
Is Zycov-D available for use outside of India?
Zycov-D has not yet been approved for use outside of India, but Zydus Cadila has indicated that it is seeking regulatory approval in other countries.
Who can receive the Zycov-D vaccine?
Zycov-D is currently approved for use in adults aged 18 and above in India.
Are there any side effects of Zycov-D?
Like all vaccines, Zycov-D can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials were pain and swelling at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and fever. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity and resolved within a few days.
