They “intend to produce over 300 million doses in India per year”, said the Russian RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund).
Serum Insurance of India (SII), the Pune-based vaccine manufacturer that produces AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine in the name of ‘Covishield’, will also produce the Russian Sputnik V vaccine from September. They “intend to produce over 300 million doses in India per year”, said the Russian RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund). Technology transfer has already started and the first batch of vaccines is expected in September.
“As part of the technical transfer process, SII has already received cell and vector samples from the Gamaleya Center. With their import approved by the Drug Controller General of India), the cultivation process has begun,” said a statement by RDIF.
“I am delighted to partner with RDIF to manufacture the Sputnik vaccine. We hope to make millions of doses in the coming months with trial batches starting in the month of September,” said Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla.
“With high efficacy and a good safety profile, it is critical that the Sputnik vaccine is accessible in full measure for people across India and the world. Given the uncertainty of the virus, it is important for international institutes, and governments to collaborate and further bolster up our fight against the pandemic,” he added.
CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, said the strategic partnership is a “major step to substantially increase our production capabilities demonstrating a perfect example of joining forces and expertise to save lives both in India and around the world”.
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