Do you know, where was the COVAXIN® developed in India ??

Do you know the Science studied about the viruses ?

Virology is the study of viruses and virus-like agents, including, but not limited to, their taxonomy, disease-producing properties, cultivation, and genetics.

• Virology is often considered a part of microbiology or pathology.

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During the early years of virology, this discipline was dependent upon advances in the chemical and physical sciences; however, viruses soon became tools for probing basic biochemical processes of cells.

Viruses have traditionally been viewed in a rather negative context as agents responsible for diseases that must be controlled or eliminated.

However, viruses also have certain beneficial properties that can be exploited for useful purposes, as is evident in both gene therapy and vaccinology.

National Institute of Virology (NIV)

is one of the major Institutes of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It was established at Pune, Maharashtra State in 1952 as Virus Research Centre (VRC) under the auspices of the ICMR and the Rockefeller Foundation (RF), USA.

With the expertise in virological training and research and emphasis on self-reliance, the centre was well prepared to undertake full responsibility as a National Institute.

On the recommendation of the SAC, the VRC acquired its status of national importance and was renamed as National Institute of Virology (NIV) in 1978.

The institute has contributed in early detection of high consequence pathogens such as Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Nipah virus and Zika virus in the country and containment of the outbreaks.

Do you know,

• The indigenous vaccine, COVAXIN®, was co-developed and evaluated at ICMR-NIV, Pune.
• The Institute played an important role in the validation of reagents, test kits and equipment as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” program for COVID-19 diagnostics.

Reference : https://niv.icmr.org.in/