Indian pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Tuesday said that it has received permission from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to import the Russian-made Sputnik vaccine into India for restricted use in emergency situations.

In September 2020, Dr Reddy's had partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct the clinical trials of Sputnik V and distribute the vaccine in India, India Blooms said. 

In addition to the trials conducted in Russia by RDIF, Phase II / III clinical trials of the vaccine were carried out by Dr Reddy's in India.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories co-chairman and managing director G.V. Prasad said, "We are very pleased to obtain the emergency use authorisation for Sputnik V in India. With the rising cases in India, vaccination is the most effective tool in our battle against Covid-19. This will enable us to contribute to our nation's efforts of vaccinating a significant proportion of our population."

The emergency authorisation was perhaps necessitated by fears of a potential vaccine shortage in India following an unprecedented rise in vaccine demand caused by a second Covid-19 surge across the country that made the government suspend vaccine exports for the time being. India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has so far gifted or sold vaccines to over 76 countries at last count. 

(SAM)