The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), drug regulator for India’s Health Ministry, approved two more Covid vaccines, Corbevax and Covovax, as also the anti-viral drug Molnupiravir to treat adult patients with COVID-19 as also those who have a high risk of progression of the disease.
Corbevax:
This vaccine is an RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against COVID-19, created in-house by Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E. It is an intramuscular shot with a two-dose schedule of day 0 and 28. It is stored at 35.6 °F to 46.4 °F and presented as a 0.5 ml (single dose) and a 5 ml (10 doses) vial pack.
Covovax:
This vaccine is a technology transfer of the Novavax vaccine of the U.S. made by the Serum Institute of India. It is also an intramuscular shot with a two-dose schedule of day 0 and 21. It is stored at 35.6 °F to 46.4 °F and presented as a 0.5 ml (single dose) and a 5 ml (10 doses) vial pack.
Molnupiravir anti-viral pill:
Molnupiravir is an antiviral that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by viral mutagenesis. The drug will be sold by pharmacies only under prescription by medical specialists, and the recommended dose will be 800mg twice daily for 5 days.
Based on the recommendation of the Subject Expert Committee of the CDSCO, the drug will be manufactured by 13 companies that have submitted their interim or complete clinical trial reports.
Name of Companies:
1. M/s Dr.Reddy’s, Hyderabad.
2. M/s Natco, Hyderabad.
3. M/s MSN, Hyderabad.
4. M/s Hetero, Hyderabad.
5. M/s Optimus, Hyderabad.
6. M/s Aurobindo, Hyderabad.
7. M/s Mylan, Hyderabad.
8. M/s Strides, Bengaluru.
9. M/s Emcure, Pune.
10. M/s Cipla, Mumbai.
11. M/s Sun Pharma, Mumbai.
12. M/s Torrent, Ahmedabad.
13. M/s BDR, Ahmedabad.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
