Synthesis of agonist molecule by CSIR-IICT for COVAXIN

New Delhi (India Science Wire): Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)’s
constituent laboratories have been working relentlessly in partnership with industry to launch
repurposed drugs through process development and conducting clinical trials. CSIR labs have also
extensively contributed towards the launching of diagnostic kits including Feluda and Dry Swab Direct
RT-PCR method for the screening of SARS-CoV-2.

The indigenous vaccine for COVID-19, COVAXIN, developed by Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech, is a
highly purified, whole virion, inactivated SARS-CoV2. The vaccine is formulated with Algel-IMDG, which
contains chemisorbed TLR7/8 agonist onto aluminium hydroxide gel to generate the requisite type of
immune responses. Owing to the significant role played by TLR7/8 agonist molecule in the performance
of a vaccine, CSIR constituent lab, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) based in Hyderabad,
was approached by BBIL to develop the synthetic route for the agonist molecule with indigenous
chemicals at an affordable price and with the highest purity. This agonist molecule has aided Bharat
Biotech to scale up the production of the adjuvant.
The project was spearheaded by Dr. Chandrasekhar, Director, and Dr. Raji Reddy, Senior Scientist from
IICT and has been completed in a record time of 4 months. Also, CSIR-IICT team lead by Dr Mohana
Krishna Mudiam, Senior Principal Scientist and Professor Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
(AcCSIR) played a key role in the development of an analytical method for testing TLR7/8 agonist
molecule and its method validation procedures through National Accreditation Board for Testing and
Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited lab.
Acknowledging the work undertaken by CSIR-IICT towards the development of the novel agonist, Dr.
Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said, “The process technology
developed by CSIR-IICT for the agonist molecule is playing an important role in the production of
adjuvant for COVAXIN.” Dr Shekhar Mande, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR complimented the CSIR-IICT
team for rising to the occasion in making the process affordable and enabling the development of
agonist molecules in record time and mentioned that this is yet another instance of CSIRs commitment
towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

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