Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech get DCGI approval for emergency use of Covid-19 vaccines

Drug Controller General of India VG Somani said both firms submitted data based on their trial runs and both have been granted permission for "restricted use".

"We'll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 100 per cent safe," Somani said at a media briefing.

Sharing the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "It would make every Indian proud that the two vaccines that have been given emergency use approval are made in India! This shows the eagerness of our scientific community to fulfil the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, at the root of which is care and compassion."

Reacting to the approval, Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive of the Pune-based vaccine manufacturer, said the risks taken with stockpiling the vaccine, have finally paid off.

The vaccines received the approval after they were cleared by a government-appointed panel on Jan 1 and 2.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) has made the vaccine Covishield developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, while Bharat Biotech has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for its indigenous Covaxin.