India Introduces Nasal Vaccine, Each Booster Dose Priced at ₹ 800
The world's first COVID-19 intranasal vaccine, iNCOVACC, has been introduced in India by Bharat Biotech. This innovative vaccine was unveiled by Union Health and Wellness Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Scientific Research and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
iNCOVACC is priced competitively as an affordable nasal vaccine, with the Indian government positioning it as an accessible option to enhance vaccine coverage, especially as a booster. The exact public price details are limited in recent sources, but it is distributed through the Indian government’s vaccination program and has also been approved for booster doses.
The intranasal delivery method of iNCOVACC simplifies distribution logistics, as it does not require syringes for administration. This could potentially make it easier to administer, especially in settings where access to syringes may be limited.
Clinical trials for iNCOVACC began around 2023. Phase 1 trials were performed with healthy adults in the US and South Africa to test dose ranges. A large trial including 2,971 previously unvaccinated people received iNCOVACC, and 161 received injectable Covaxin as a comparison. The trials primarily aimed to evaluate immunogenicity and safety rather than direct disease outcomes.
Preclinical studies showed promising immune responses, including cross-reactivity with related coronaviruses. Full results of clinical trials had not been reported as of mid-2025, but data indicate iNCOVACC is immunogenic with minimal side effects.
iNCOVACC is notable for its potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission by inducing mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract, a trait highlighted in multiple studies on nasal vaccines. While there is strong interest and ongoing research, detailed pricing specifics and broad international distribution details remain scarce beyond its Indian approval and domestic use.
It is important to note that iNCOVACC cannot be administered to those who have already taken a precaution or booster dosage. The recombinant adenoviral vectored construct for iNCOVACC was designed and created by Washington College, St. Louis. Partial funding for the product development and medical trials of iNCOVACC was provided by the Government of India through the Department of Biotechnology's Covid Suraksha program.
Bharat Biotech was responsible for item development, preclinical security assessment, large-scale manufacturing, solution and distribution device development, and human clinical trials for iNCOVACC. The intranasal vaccine consists of 2 doses given 28 days apart. In December 2022, Bharat Biotech received authorization for the primary 2-dose routine and as a heterologous booster dosage.
[1] [Clinical trial information for iNCOVACC] [4] [Research on nasal vaccines for COVID-19]
- The health-and-wellness sector has taken a significant stride with Bharat Biotech's introduction of the health-focused intranasal vaccine, iNCOVACC, intended to bolster science-backed health initiatives through simplified technology, such as its administration without needles.
- The potential of iNCOVACC, a health-oriented innovation in vaccine technology, lies in its ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission by inducing mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract, as indicated by numerous studies on nasal vaccines, contributing to the broader health-and-wellness landscape.
