Which of the following was the first mRNA vaccine in India to be licensed for emergency use?

UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

Moderna mRNA-1273 was the first messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine to be granted restricted emergency use authorization in India.
This approval was granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), making it the first of its technological platform to be available in the country.
Unlike Covishield (a viral vector vaccine) and Covaxin (an inactivated virus vaccine) which were approved earlier, Moderna's vaccine uses a novel mRNA-based mechanism.
The vaccine works by providing the genetic code (mRNA) for the body's cells to produce the coronavirus spike protein, which then triggers a protective immune response.

Option B: Although the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is also an mRNA vaccine, it was not the first one to be licensed for emergency use in the Indian market.
Option C: Sinovac (CoronaVac) is an inactivated virus vaccine. It uses a killed version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and does not belong to the mRNA vaccine platform.
Option D: Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) is a viral vector vaccine. It uses two different modified adenoviruses to deliver the genetic material for the spike protein, which is a different technology from mRNA.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms and Indian Approvals as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding different vaccine platforms is crucial for nurses to educate patients about how their vaccine works, potential side effects, and specific requirements like storage (e.g., the ultra-cold chain for some mRNA vaccines).
The approval process by regulatory bodies like the CDSCO in India ensures that vaccines used in the country have met necessary safety and efficacy standards for the local population.
What if? If the question had asked for one of the first viral vector vaccines approved in India, Covishield would have been a correct answer, as it was part of the initial vaccination drive.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'first', 'mRNA vaccine', and 'India'. This specifies the technology type and geographical location.
The question is a factual recall question requiring specific knowledge about the timeline and types of COVID-19 vaccines approved in India.
Analyze each option based on its vaccine platform (technology).
Eliminate options that are not mRNA vaccines. Sputnik is a viral vector vaccine, and Sinovac is an inactivated virus vaccine.
Between the remaining mRNA options (Moderna and Pfizer), recall or deduce which one received the first emergency use license in India. The sources confirm Moderna was among the first batch of six diverse vaccines approved, making it the first of its kind.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms and Indian Approvals
Stem keywords: first mRNA vaccine, India, licensed, emergency use
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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