The basic principle behind Vaccine development is to stimulate the immune system to recognize and respond to a specific pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless part of the pathogen, such as a protein or a weakened/deactivated form of the pathogen, into the body. This triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells that recognize and remember the pathogen. If the person is later exposed to the actual pathogen, their immune system can mount a rapid and effective response, preventing or reducing the severity of the infection.

In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, several approaches were adopted by Indian vaccine manufacturers:

1. Inactivated or Whole-Virus Vaccines: These vaccines use a whole, inactivated (killed) virus or a part of the virus to stimulate an immune response. Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is an example of an inactivated vaccine developed in India.
2. Viral Vector Vaccines: These vaccines use a harmless virus (vector) to deliver a piece of the coronavirus genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the cells. This genetic material instructs the cells to produce a specific protein from the coronavirus, triggering an immune response. Serum Institute of India’s Covishield, developed in collaboration with Oxford-AstraZeneca, is a viral vector vaccine that uses a chimpanzee adenovirus as the vector.
3. Protein Subunit Vaccines: These vaccines contain purified pieces (subunits) of the coronavirus, such as the spike protein. These subunits are selected to trigger an immune response. Novavax’s Covovax, which is being manufactured in India, is an example of a protein subunit vaccine.
4. mRNA Vaccines: mRNA vaccines deliver a synthetic piece of genetic material (mRNA) that encodes the spike protein of the coronavirus. This mRNA instructs cells to produce the spike protein, which stimulates an immune response. The mRNA-1273 vaccine developed by Moderna, which is being produced in collaboration with Indian manufacturers, falls under this category.

Indian vaccine manufacturers have utilized their expertise in vaccine manufacturing and research to develop and produce COVID-19 vaccines using these different approaches. They have collaborated with international partners, conducted clinical trials, and scaled up production to meet the demand for vaccines both in India and globally. The Indian government has also played a role in supporting vaccine development, providing regulatory approvals, and facilitating the distribution of vaccines within the country.

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