Russia’s sovereign wealth fund has agreed to supply 100 million doses of its
coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, to Indian drug company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the fund said on Wednesday, as Moscow speeds up plans to distribute its shot abroad.
“India is amongst most severely impacted countries from COVID 19 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 chief executive officer Kirill Dmitriev said in a statement.
The Sputnik-V vaccine, which is based on human adenoviral vector platform, is undergoing clinical trials.
Deliveries could potentially began in late 2020, subject to completion of successful trials and registration of the vaccine by regulatory authorities in India.
Phase III trials, involving at least 40,000 people, are ongoing in Russia. Initial results are expected in October or November, RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev has said.
Dr Reddy’s, one of India’s top pharmaceutical companies, will carry out Phase III clinical trials of Sputnik-V in India, RDIF said. Following the news, Dr Reddy’s shares rallied to close 4.18% higher in India on Wednesday.
