When Delta Plus variant becomes a threat, ICMR says Covaxin effective against it

Aug 3: A new study by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech & ICMR is effective against the Delta Plus (AY.1) variant of SARS-CoV2 virus. Around 70 cases of Delta Plus variant of Covid-19 have been detected in India so far.

ICMR said, “Our research showed that Covaxin could still neutralise Delta, AY.1 and B.1.617.3 variants.” Lead author Dr Pragya Yadav said that a minor reduction was observed in neutralising antibody titer in Covid-19 recovered cases, fully vaccinated and post immunised infected cases as compared to Covid-19 naive vaccinated individuals. Dr Yadav added that, whatever may be the issue, Covaxin would still neutralise the Delta, DeltaAY.1 and B.1.617.3 variants effectively.