Vaccine and drug trials in the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons for India

ABSTRACT

The Coronavirus pandemic has caught most countries off guard, unprepared to handle a fast-spreading viral infection with a high rate of fatality and absence of any prophylactics and preventive agents. It has made it clear that a strong scientific base with access to novel technology platforms, trained scientific manpower and flexible regulatory systems are required to fight such infections and prevent future infections to go out of control. Developing the scientific and technology base could have a ripple effect in fighting several other incurable diseases, such as many forms of cancer and genetic disorders.