The Covishield Vaccine is being manufactured ina)Agrab)Punec)Hyderabad...
The Covishield Vaccine is being manufactured in Pune.Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'B', Pune. The Covishield vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Oxford-AstraZeneca partnership and is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Serum Institute of India (SII)
The Serum Institute of India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. It is based in Pune, Maharashtra, and has been at the forefront of vaccine production for several decades. The institute is known for its expertise in the development and manufacturing of vaccines.
Partnership with Oxford-AstraZeneca
The Covishield vaccine is the result of a collaboration between the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical company. The vaccine is based on a viral vector platform, where a harmless adenovirus (ChAdOx1) is used to deliver the genetic material of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells, triggering an immune response against the virus.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for the Covishield vaccine involves several steps:
- Production of the viral vector: The adenovirus vector, ChAdOx1, is produced by genetically modifying a harmless virus to carry the spike protein gene of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Cell culture: The viral vector is grown in specialized cells, usually mammalian cells, in bioreactors. These cells provide an environment for the viral vector to replicate.
- Purification: The viral vector is extracted from the cell culture and purified to remove any impurities.
- Formulation: The purified viral vector is mixed with other ingredients, such as stabilizers and preservatives, to create the final vaccine formulation.
- Filling and packaging: The formulated vaccine is filled into vials or syringes and undergoes strict quality control measures to ensure safety and efficacy.
Significance of Pune as the Manufacturing Hub
Pune is considered a hub for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in India. It has a strong infrastructure and ecosystem for vaccine development and manufacturing, with several research institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies located in the city. This makes Pune an ideal location for the Serum Institute of India to manufacture the Covishield vaccine.
In conclusion, the Covishield vaccine is being manufactured in Pune, Maharashtra, by the Serum Institute of India. The institute's expertise in vaccine production, along with its partnership with Oxford-AstraZeneca, has played a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of this COVID-19 vaccine.