The phase-3 trials for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are still underway.(Photo: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File)

Serum Institute of India (SII) has clarified that claims surrounding Covishield’s availability are “completely false and conjectural”. There were reports of SII being able to commercialise the vaccine in 73 days.

“Presently, the government has granted us permission to only manufacture the vaccine and stockpile it for future use,” read an official statement issued on Sunday. The Covishield vaccine will be commercialised once trials are successful and all requisite regulatory approvals are in place, the statement further read.

The statement also added that Phase-III trials for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine were still on, and only once the vaccine was proven immunogenic and efficacious, SII will confirm its availability, officially.

Also Read | As it prepares for Oxford vaccine trials, Serum Institute inks deal for another Covid-19 shot

The Pune-based firm has struck a production and clinical trial agreement with AstraZeneca for the vaccine developed by Oxford University. The firm has also tied up with GAVI and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to speed up manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of the vaccine for India and several low and middle income countries.