The first dose of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was administered in Dr Reddy’s laboratories in Hyderabad today.
It marks the third vaccine available for Indians now after Covaxin and Covishield.
“As part of a limited pilot, the soft launch of the vaccine has commenced and the first dose of the vaccine was administered in Hyderabad today on May 14, 2021,” said Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in an official statement.
“The 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,” it said.
“The company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfill regulatory requirements to ensure smooth and timely supply. Dr Reddy’s will work closely with stakeholders in the government and private sector in India to ensure the widest possible reach of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the national inoculation effort,” the company said in a statement.
The first consignment of the doses reached India on May 1. It received regulatory clearance on May 13.
Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the approval of Sputnik V on August 11, 2020, making it the first vaccine against Covid-19 to be approved in the world.
It’s developed by the Gameleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
It contains two different human common cold viruses, modified to make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
