Russia to supply 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to India
MOSCOW – The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on Wednesday (16) confirmed reaching an agreement to supply 100 million doses of Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V to India’s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.
“The RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (Dr. Reddy’s), a global pharmaceutical company headquartered out of India, have agreed to cooperate on clinical trials and distribution of Sputnik V vaccine in India. Upon regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr. Reddy’s 100 million doses of the vaccine,” Sputnik reported, quoting a media statement from RDIF.
Deliveries could start in late 2020, it added.
G.V. Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy said that Phase I and II trials results have shown promise, and the company will be conducting Phase III trials in India to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators.
“We are pleased to partner with RDIF to bring the vaccine to India. Phase I and II results have shown promise, and we will be conducting Phase III trials in India to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators. Sputnik V vaccine could provide a credible option in our fight against COVID-19 in India,” the statement quoted Prasad as saying.
RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said RDIF was pleased to reach the agreement with the Indian company. “Dr. Reddy’s has had a very well established and respected presence in Russia for over 25 years and is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India,” he said, adding, “India is amongst the most severely impacted countries from the novel coronavirus and we believe our human adenovirus dual vector platform will provide a safe and scientifically validated option to India in the battle against COVID 19. RDIF partners will receive an effective and safe drug to fight the coronavirus.”.
Last week, the Russian Health Ministry announced the first batch of Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, the first vaccine registered against the novel coronavirus, has been released into civil circulation.
-ANI