How long does it take to make a vaccine?

 

STAGE I: R&D-   This usually takes two to five years

STAGE II: Pre-Clinical-  This is when scientists test the vaccine on cell cultures and animals.

STAGE III: Clinical Trials-  On the basis of the data submitted from the pre-clinical phase, regulators allow testing on humans.

-         PHASE I- The vaccine is given to a small group of people(20-40). This takes about three months.

-         PHASE II- The vaccine is given to several hundred people. This takes about 6-8 months.

-         PHASE III- Thousands of people are enrolled. This takes about 6-8 months.

STAGE IV: Regulatory review- Once the actual testing phases are over, it is time to tabulate the data from the study, get final results and proceed onto licensing forms and approvals from the authorities. This phase takes a long time to happen.

 STAGE V: Manufacturing-  This requires immense resources- funds running into millions of dollars, infrastructure, raw material, and scientific expertise.

STAGE VI: Quality control – The safety of the vaccine is monitored by both the regulator and the manufacturer.

-HEMANG BARUA