Human trials in Phase 2 and 3 will be conducted on the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. The company involved is Dr Reddy’s, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India.
Yesterday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Dr Reddy's Laboratories Limited had agreed to cooperate on clinical trials and distribution of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in India.
The vaccine is based on adenovirus and has been developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
G.V. Prasad, Co-chairman and Managing Director, Dr Reddy's Laboratories claims, "This is a significant development that allows us to commence the clinical trials in India and we are committed to bringing in a safe and efficacious vaccine to combat the pandemic."
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"On regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr Reddy's 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," a statement from the Russian fund had earlier stated.
Deliveries could begin later this year if the trials are successful and the paperwork is processed by the regulatory authorities in India, claim the RDIF.
"The agreement between RDIF and Dr Reddy's reflects the growing awareness of countries and organisations to have a diversified anti-COVID vaccine portfolio to protect their populations," RDIF added.