Chennai: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) has entered into an agreement to help conduct final-stage human trials of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine in India.
Once regulatory clearances are obtained, the Hyderabad-headquartered drugmaker will also begin to distribute up to 100 million doses for mass vaccination in the country.
“The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic. Deliveries could potentially begin in late 2020 subject to completion of successful trials and registration of the vaccine by regulatory authorities in India,” the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russiaās sovereign wealth fund, which will be supplying the vaccine to DRL for distribution, said.
DRL co-chairman and managing director GV Prasad said, “The Phase 1 and 2 results have shown promise, and we will be conducting Phase-3 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.”