GSK invites India for vaccine trials

As the race for swine flu vaccines hots up, London-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has asked India to associate itself with the second and third stage of swine flu vaccine trials. This would mean that the vaccines by GSK will also be tested on Indians to check its efficacy and side-effects.

GSK, however, wants to know the quantity of vaccines India would seek after successful completion of trials. India will essentially procure vaccines only for health workers who are directly handling H1N1 patients.

The GSK move is in response to a letter by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) D-G VM Katoch “to all four international companies that are preparing vaccines,” asking them to involve India.

However, the government is still undecided on whether to go for a bridge study (on 400-600 humans) or detailed trials (on 6,000-7,000 humans) of the new vaccines. “The bridge study would fast-track the process of procuring the vaccines.

However, since the influenza vaccines have their side-effects, the experts will view the matter rather cautiously. What may suit a white person may not suit Indians,” director general of health services (DGHS) RK Srivastawa said.