Sputnik Light vaccine

Sputnik Light vaccine

Part of: Prelims and GS-II Health 

Context: The drug regulator DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) has granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) to Single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in India.

About the vaccine

• Sputnik Light is based on recombinant human adenovirus serotype number 26 (the first component of Sputnik V).
• It is the world’s first registered combination vector vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19
• As per the vaccine developer Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a one-shot vaccination regimen of Sputnik Light provides for ease of administration and helps to increase the efficacy and duration of other vaccines when used as a booster shot.

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) 

• It is a regulatory mechanism to allow the use of vaccines and medicines to prevent and/or reduce the impact of life- threatening diseases or conditions as caused by COVID-19.

About Drugs Controller General of India 

• S/he is the head of department of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSO) of the Government of India.
  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation works in close collaboration with the state control administration and assist them in securing uniform enforcement of the Drug Act.
• Responsible for approval of licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera in India.
• DCGI also sets standards for manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India.
• Comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

News Source: Livemint