Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V manufacturer in India Dr Reddy’s Laboratories on Thursday clarified that the discussions on its pricing are still pending and there is no final decision yet. This development comes a day after announcing that Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine could be sold at $10 (around Rs 750) a dose in India.
Dr Reddy’s said in a statement that the lab will share an update once there are further developments in this regard. The decision on the pricing of the imported doses of Sputnik V in India are still on the table.
GV Prasad, the Managing Director of Dr Reddy’s Labs on Wednesday said that the imported product would only be for the private market, it is allowed for the private market completely.
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He said that the pricing model will have to figure out in the next few days and also confirmed that the cost of Sputnik V would be lower when its production started in India. That product will be available both for the public and private market.
Talking on on the third vaccine to be cleared for emergency use in India against the world’s worst Covid surge, Prasad said said that the import of Sputnik V will start in May. Asking about the number of doses would available by May-June, he said that it is still being negotiated.
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The Serum Institute of India has said its vaccine Covishield, developed by Oxford-Astrazeneca, will be sold at Rs 400 a shot to state governments and Rs 600 to private hospitals. The Centre will continue to receive Covishield doses at Rs 150 each.
Sputnik V is the only Covid vaccine other than those of Pfizer and Moderna to show an effectiveness of over 91% against Covid-19 when taken in two doses, 21 days apart. The first lot of Sputnik vaccines will be fully developed and ready to administer from Russia.