DCGI nod paves way for Sputnik V vaccine import: Dr. Reddy’s

Sputnik V will join Covishield and Covaxin that were approved and used since India launched what arguably is one of the largest inoculation programmes globally in January

The emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Sputnik V paves the way for import and use of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine in the inoculation programme in the country. Though on the cards, the timing of EUA assumes significance in the context of reports that stocks of the two approved vaccines are fast running out in many locations across India, amid more people turning eligible and evincing interest in getting the jab. Several State governments had in recent days also appealed to the Centre to replenish the vaccine supplies. Sputnik V, developed by Russia’s Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, will join Covishield and the indigenous Covaxin that were approved and used since India launched what arguably is one of the largest inoculation programmes globally in January. Within weeks of Sputnik V becoming the first COVID-19 vaccine to be registered globally, by Russia in August, the Russian Direct Investment Fund announced a partnership with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories for clinical trials as well as distribution of the first 100 million doses in India.