Pfizer Seeking An “Expedited Approval Pathway” From India For The Roll-Out Of Its Two-Dose mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

United States (US) based biotechnology and pharmaceutical major Pfizer has said that the company is seeking an "expedited approval pathway" from New Delhi for the roll-out of its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in India, reports Times of India.

The company's chief executive Albert Bourla took to social media and stated that its vaccine is not registered in India to date even though it had applied to the Government here months ago.

Meanwhile, the company also said that it is lining up $70 million worth of drug supplies to India to enhance the nation's capacity to cope with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The drug supplies include steroids, anticoagulants, and antibiotics.

Bourla also shared that the company's employees in the US, Europe and Asia are working to ship medications which the Government has approved as a part of the COVID-19 treatment protocol in India.

Bourla added, "We are committed to being a partner in India's fight against the disease and are quickly working to mobilise the largest humanitarian relief effort in our company's history."

The statement, however, did not address the patent issue that many world leaders and activists, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and US Senator Bernie Sanders, say is at the heart of a long-term solution.