Covid-19 vaccine: Expert panel recommends emergency use authorisation for Russia’s Sputnik V

(Image Source: Reuters)

In a major development, an expert panel has recommended for emergency use of Sputnik V – a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia – in India with certain conditions. The final decision will be taken by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Once approved, it will be rolled in India by Pharma major Dr Reddy’s Laboratories. Once this is done, it will become the third COVID-19 vaccine to be available in India.

“Subject Expert Committee approves Dr Reddy’s application for emergency use authorisation to Sputnik V,” news ANI quoted sources as saying.

Like other vaccines being used in India, Sputnik V is also a two dose vaccine. The second doze of the vaccine is given 21 days after receiving the first dose. According to Deepak Sapra, Dr Reddy’s CEO, APIs and Services, the peak immunity is developed between day 28 to day 42.

Subject Expert Committee approves Dr Reddy’s application for emergency use authorisation to Sputnik V: Sources#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/U2wsCQTNY0

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2021

Dr Reddys has partnered with the Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to bring the vaccine to India. The partnership was signed in the month of September last year.

Covishield of Oxford-AstraZeneca and Covaxin being developed by Bharat Biotech have already been given the emergency use authorisation by the Drugs Controller General of India. Covishield is being manufactured by Serum Institute of India in Pune.

Sputnik V of Russia has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6 per cent in the interim analysis of phase 3 clinical trial.