Covid-19: India Approves Russia’s Vaccine Sputnik-V

In a major breakthrough India has approved the third vaccine for emergency use in the country. A committee of experts from Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Sputnik-V, the vaccine developed by Russia. Covishield and Covaxin are only two vaccines that are available in the country but there is a clear shortage of supply.

Hyderabad based Dr. Reddy’s lab has collaborated with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in September 2020 for the clinical trials of the vaccine. Recently Dr. Reddy’s has placed an application before the Centre for emergency use of Sputnik-V. The Russian vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6 percent based on the interim analysis of phase III clinical trials and considering this data, the experts committee has given its nod.

However, the details of when the vaccine will be available for usage is yet to be known. For PTI sources we hear that Dr. Reddy’s will be manufacturing about 200 millions of Sputnik-V vaccine per year.

Meanwhile India has recorded another biggest spike in the last 24 hours. 1,68,912 new Covid cases and 904 new deaths have been filed. The vaccine has been administered to 10.45 crore people.

Telugu states Andhra and Telangana are running short of vaccine supply. Both the states have asked for 25 Lakh and 30 Lakh doses from the Centre. But we hear that Centre has decided to send 3.62 doses to Telangana whereas AP will receive about six Lakh doses in the next two or three days.