Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 19

Dr Reddy’s laboratories on Wednesday announced that the commercial launch of Sputnik V Covid vaccines was expected by mid-June after cold storage studies for the shots are successfully concluded in the country.

The Indian collaborators of Russian Gamaleya Institute, makers of the Sputnik V, today said they were the brand custodians of the Russian jab in India and had the sole distribution rights of the first 250 million doses (first and second dose components included) of the vaccine in India. 

“We are responsible for pharmacovigilance, post-vaccination tracking, quality integration and quality management of the Sputnik V vaccine in India.  The vaccine is currently stored at minus 18 degree C temperature in India.  We have fully put in place cold storage logistics as well as track-and-trace arrangements for the vaccine.  These arrangements are absolutely imperative for ensuring the safety and quality of the vaccine. Stability studies on storage of the Sputnik V vaccine at +2 to +8 degree C are ongoing and have not yet been concluded,” the lab said.

Dr Reddy’s had on May 14, launched a soft pilot programme in Hyderabad to test its cold storage logistical arrangements. 

The Company said it expected to ramp up this pilot phase and extend it to other cities in the upcoming weeks. 

“Commercial launch of the vaccine is expected in mid-June, and the Company is in discussions with all stakeholders across sectors -- Central Government, State Governments and the private sector to explore partnerships.  Imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of Rs 948+ 5% GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins,” Dr Reddy’s said.