As the government continues to weigh its options on Pfizer's indemnity request, it is hoping to launch the single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine in India soon.
The Centre has directed all stakeholders, including the Russian manufacturer and its Indian partners, to fast-track the application and regulatory approval procedures for the COVID-19 vaccine.
An application for regulatory approval for Sputnik Light is expected to be filed in the next couple of weeks, the Indian Express reported, citing sources.
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Sputnik Light is likely to become the first single-dose vaccine to be launched in India.
Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) informed other participants that the application for regulatory approval of Sputnik Light is expected to be filed in the next 2-3 weeks, the report said.
Read: UNICEF signs deal to procure up to 220 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine
At a meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary recently, it was suggested to immediately convene a meeting with all concerned stakeholders, including the Department of Biotechnology Secretary, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the Ministry of External Affairs representatives, the Union Health Ministry officials, RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund) and domestic manufacturers, to expedite the regulatory approvals for Sputnik Light.
According to RDIF, the single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated 79.4 percent efficacy as per analyzed data taken from 28 days after the injection was administered as part of Russia’s mass vaccination program between 5 December 2020 and 15 April 2021.
Read: COVAX faces shortfall of 190 million doses, India’s 'terrible surge’ severely hits supply
The two-dose Sputnik V had received the Indian drug regulator's permission for restricted emergency use with certain conditions on April 12. Dr Reddy's Laboratories is importing the vaccine for use in India.
Amid the shortage of vaccines, the government is in talks to secure foreign jabs, including Russia's Sputnik vaccines, while talks are also underway for COVID-19 vaccines developed by US majors Pfizer and Moderna.
India has so far administered over 20 crore doses so far since the launch of its vaccination drive on January 16. Currently, three COVID vaccines are used in India -- Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute, Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and Russian-made Sputnik V.
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