Mumbai: Pharma major Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (Dr. Reddy's), the Indian partner of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has commenced Sputnik V's India rollout with the first dose of the vaccine was administered in Hyderabad on Friday as part of a limited pilot.
The first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on 1 st May 2021, received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, on May 13, 2021, said a company statement adding that further consignments of imported doses are expected over the upcoming months.
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.
Subsequently, the supply of the Sputnik V vaccine will commence from Indian manufacturing partners.
G V Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Reddy's said, "With the rising cases in India, vaccination is our most effective tool in our battle against COVID-19. Contributing to the vaccination drive in India is our biggest priority right now to help Indians be healthy and safe."
The company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfill regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth and timely supply.
Dr. Reddy will work closely with stakeholders in the Government and private sector in India to ensure the broadest possible reach of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the national inoculation effort.
"This is a reaffirmation of the company's commitment to explore every avenue in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India," said the statement.
Dr. Reddy's shares on BSE closed down 2% at Rs 5915.85 in a weak Mumbai market on Friday, valuing the company at Rs 86,403 crore.