Indian drug controller, The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has approved emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine for coronavirus in the country, becoming the 60th nation in the world to do so.
A News18 report quoted a press statement from the central government as, “Vaccination is one of the critical pillars of COVID control and management strategy adopted by the Centre. Presently two vaccines i.e. Covaxin by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) and Covishield by Serum Institute of India (SII), have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the National Regulator (Drugs Controller General of India). “
The official Twitter handle of Sputnik V announced, “India, the world’s 2nd most populous nation, became the 60th country to register #SputnikV after positive results of local Phase 3 clinical study. Sputnik V is now authorized in 60 countries with population of over 3 bln people.”
The vaccine was approved based on results of clinical trials in Russia as well as positive data of additional Phase III local clinical trials in India conducted in partnership with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories. The same company will now produce the vaccines in India.