India to participate in WHO solidarity trial for developing potential drugs for COVID-19

India will soon participate in WHO solidarity trial for
developing potential drugs for COVID-19. Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, Head of
Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases in Indian Council of Medical Research
said, earlier India did not do so because the numbers were so small that
contribution would have looked minuscule.

Advertisment

Briefing reporters yesterday, he said, effort is being made
to develop individual diagnostics at the same time. Mr Gangakhedkar also
informed that India has indicated willingness to go for vaccine trials for country’s
population. Currently there are around 30 groups which are working on
developing vaccines of which 5 are already going for animal toxicity studies.

Sources reports that WHO’s Solidarity trial is expected to
witness participation from many countries including Thailand, Argentina,
Canada, France, Iran, and Spain. The trial will not only test different drugs
but will also compare their effectiveness.