(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `JNU lab could give Washington its latest weapon against terror` appearing in Indian Express dated November 4, 2001;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;
(c) whether the vaccine has been finally tested for its efficacy toxicity and side effects; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Centre for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University has produced Protective Antigen. As per the information received from JNU, the laboratory scale technology has been transferred to Panacea Biotec Ltd. to undertake animal/clinical trials to assess the efficacy/side effects and get all necessary clearances from the government to produce this vaccine.
(c)&(d) The preparation is yet to undergo animal/clinical trial,