Five sites across India are ready for the third and final phase of human trials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said on Monday. The Serum Institute of India, the largest vaccine maker in the world, has been chosen by Oxford and its partner AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine once it is ready. Trials results for the first two phases were published earlier this month.
According to Swaroop, India’s Department of Biotechnoloby is part of any COVID-19 vaccine effort in India whether it is funding, whether it is facilitating the regulatory clearances or whether it is giving them access to networks which exist within the country .
The Pune-based Serum Institute has sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India for conducting Phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of the potential vaccine. It had said earlier it will start manufacturing the vaccine even before the final nod so it is ready with sizable volumes once the vaccine gets all permissions.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
