Breaking news: COVAXIN getting ready for nasal delivery

The COVAXIN vaccine developed by Bharath Biotech is now getting ready to try the nasal variant, which according to Dr. Gillurkar from a site chosen to monitor COVAXI vaccine efficacy. As COVAXIN is whole-virion inactivated, it targets all parts of the virus and makes it more effective.

Source: Gillurkar's Hospital- Facebook

The nasal variant in a Phase I and Phase II study will start at Dr. Gillurkar's Hospital in Nagpur, India. The injectable variant Phase I and Phase II studies were completed at this hospital. According to Dr. Gillurkar, "We are all set to host the trials for nasal Covaxine in next two weeks. Enough scientific evidences are available that vaccines given through nasal route are more effective than injected ones". 

The other advantages of nasal route are no brainer. It will drive the cost so far down that it may emerge as the most preferred. Let us all look forward to it.

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/80127595.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "


Also read:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/medical/covaxin-controversy-doctors-in-trial-sites-chosen-by-icmr-say-human-trials-cant-be-fast-forwarded-anticipate-6-month-observation-period/ar-BB16oNfo

Early morning drive through Madurai in October 2019

 Watching the tide of traffic and feeling the pulse of a city is my passion. It is a hobby that helps me see the way things change and how they have changed. It is also a snap shot of a morning in the temple city of India, Madurai in Tamil Nadu (land of the Tamils). More on Tamil Nadu here (Tamil Nadu - Wikipedia).

The history of Tamil Nadu stretches back to antiquity. A land that has seen the hateful invasion of the Muslims, the battles with the British East India company, and the complicated but determined advance of Christianity. 

Madurai is the temple city with a very complicated history of Kingdoms, invasions, conversions, of battles won and lost, a center of spirituality, and a living city. People who visit India tour the northern cities and unfortunately, they miss the beautiful south. 


You may want to see this Video or copy the link below:




https://youtu.be/92DsEEDOaVo

Does the vaccine COVAXIN developed by Bharath Biotech matter?

 

Source: CityTodayNews

It is easy to see that it matters. It has already obtained emergency use authorization (EUA) in India.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covaxin-phase-1-trial-clears-lancet-review-phase-3-trial-ongoing-2356577 

It is applying for EUA in the Philippines. It is in Phase 3 clinical trials with 25800 volunteers in India.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/covaxin-meets-25-8k-volunteer-target-for-its-phase-3-trials/articleshow/80159861.cms

Bharath Biotech has a history of vaccine manufacture of other types of vaccines (not a first timer). According to the manufacturer, the vaccine is made on a platform known for its safety ("The vaccine is being manufactured using Vero cell platform,  ..)

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/80159861.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

The American pharmaceutical company OCUGEN (makes treatments for eyes) has an understanding with Bharath Biotech to manufacutre and distribute the vaccine in the USA. "Ocugen will be responsible for clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization for the U.S. market"[Benzinga] 

The existing vaccines are expensive for some countries requiring COVID-19 vaccines, and this is the other demography that Bharath Biotech is targeting. Furthermore, the jury is out as to the best vaccine for COVID-19 especially due to the various variants entering the scene.

More here:

HodentekPlus: India's indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 will be administered in India

Excellent Covid-19 vaccination experience in Honolulu

 Today, we got our first COVID-19 vaccine shot in Honolulu, Hawaii. There was no hitch of any kind and everything went smoothly.

The vaccination for senior citizens started from Jan 25. The registration for getting the vaccination was available on line. The registration begins with choosing a date and time on the Queens Hospitals online forms. 

A day before the vaccination, there was a telephone call to verify the details of the folks receiving the vaccine and making sure they show up.

The vaccination was provided at the Blaisdell Center, a landmark community facility in Honolulu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_S._Blaisdell_Center

Photo source: Facebook

Folks receiving the vaccine need to line up (of course mask and distancing was mandatory) for entering the registration and the vaccination seats. There were helpers to assist seniors who did not bring in the Covid-19 safety questionnaire, an important document for addressing any safety issues.

After verifying the registration information, folks were guided to the vaccination seats, that took place in the entrance of the concert hall. There was no need to line up as there were plenty of stations. The details of the person receving the vaccination was verifieed one more time. They were especially careful of people who had previous history of allergy, vaccination or food related. Folks who had allergy hsitory were asked to wait for 30 minutes after they took the vaccination. The following is the detail of the immunization recieved:

MODERNA Covid-19, mRNA vaccine (PF) 0.5 mL IM

The second shot is scheduled after i month interval.

The experience was pleasnat and the execution was faultless. 

Here are some pictures of the day:

Line up to enter

Register

Wait for a short while after the shot

Get a badge to show that you are vaccinated.

Air-Aluminum energy source for autos and vehicles

 

Looks like it is. The Aluminum | Air battery appears to be feasible. Actually, it is a fuel cell rather than a traditional battery. Well, it is not rechargeable but do not worry. Just pull out the Aluminum electrode and replace it with a fresh electrode. This is just the kind of device needed for a country like India which does not have significant lithum resources. The nice thing is, these batteries can be produced 100% indigenously in India.

The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is in colloboration with Israel for the development of these batteries and IOC (https://iocl.com/aboutus/profile.aspx) is a serious company.

Read more here:

https://www.electrive.com/2019/08/31/indian-oil-aims-to-produce-battery-cells/

Mahindra is also intested. May be the auto-rickshaws will run on these. I pray this happens, the low grade gas these run are responsible for most respiratory ailments.

https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/indian-oil-and-israel%E2%80%99s-phinergy-test-aluminiumair-battery-on-mahindra-treo-78264

Ashok Leyland is also interested:

https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/ashok-leyland-israels-phinergy-develop-electric-cv-solutions-27814

Even Renault and Nissan interested: Watch the YouTube Video

https://youtu.be/KRlxwTNnq9E

Source for the above: https://www.hybridcars.com/renault-nissan-to-use-phinergys-aluminum-air-battery/

Video source:https://www.autoblog.com/2019/10/22/aluminum-air-electric-car-battery/