Seeking fast-track approval for its Covid-19 vaccine, the US pharma giant Pfizer has told the Indian authorities that the Pfizer vaccine shows high effectiveness against the Indian-dominant Covid variant. Pfizer has also said that its vaccine is suitable for everyone aged 12 years or older and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Pfizer stated recent data points support the strong efficacy of the BNT612b2 2-dose regimen against SARS-CoV-2 variants and among patients of Indian ethnicity. In an observational research, the UK’s Public Health England observed strong vaccination efficacy (87.9%) against the B.1.617.2 strain which is most often reported in India.
Pfizer, which plans to offer 5 crore doses of its vaccine to India between July and October, has sought some relaxations from the Indian government including indemnification. It has had a number of meetings with Indian government officials recently, during which it gave the most recent data on effectiveness studies and approvals for its vaccine in various nations and by the World Health Organization.
The two sides have held a series of meetings over the past few weeks, some of which also involved Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla to resolve issues including grant of legal indemnity.
None of the three vaccines currently approved for use in India – Covishield, Covaxin or Sputnik V – have been given such protection. Neither of India’s approved vaccines have been cleared for use on those below 18, although Covaxin is expected to begin trials for the 2-18 age group by the month’s end.
Children and young adults – who some experts fear could be the target of the third wave – accounted for fewer than 10% of new cases this month but week-by-week numbers showed an increase.
The company, however, is open to considering surveillance of the first 100 subjects to get its vaccine.
Last week Delhi and Punjab government had approached Pfizer for vaccines but the company rejected offers citing their policies.
India has administered over 20 crore vaccine doses so far but is still a long way short of vaccinating a significant-enough proportion of its 130-crore population.
A shortage of vaccine doses is believed to be one of the primary reasons for the recent slowdown, with several states flagging low stocks and being forced to suspend vaccination for the 18-44 age group.
At present India has Covishield and Covaxin while a third – Russia’s Sputnik V – has been approved and is to be rolled out soon.