Data Show India's Homegrown COVID-19 Vaccine Works — 2 Months After It Was Approved

It turns out a COVID-19 vaccine that stirred controversy in India may be effective after all.

The Indian government approved the use of the COVAXIN vaccine, made by the Indian company Bharat Biotech, on Jan. 3 – while clinical trials were ongoing, and before efficacy data was out. Scientists, public health experts and opposition politicians expressed concern.

Many called the move premature. Some accused India of acting out of nationalism. The Bharat Biotech formula has been billed as India's first "indigenous" vaccine.

Critics cautioned India to wait for data from phase 3 clinical trials.

Now, that data is out.

Late Wednesday, Bharat Biotech released interim data showing its vaccine prevents COVID-19 in 81% of patients who receive two doses. The phase 3 clinical trial involved 25,800 subjects, making it the largest ever in India, the company said.

Trials are still ongoing, and further data is needed for a "final analysis," it said. But Bharat Biotech's chairman said this interim data "demonstrates high clinical efficacy."