Serum Institute Seeks DCGI Nod For License To Manufacture Russian Sputnik V Covid-19 Vaccine In India

In a big boost to India's COVID-19 vaccination drive, Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine maker by volume, has sought permission from Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture Russian Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine in the country.

The SII has put up an application to the DCGI, seeking the Indian drug regulator's permission to for a test license to manufacture Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V, reports Hindustan Times.

The Sputnik V vaccine developer has already partnered with various Indian pharma firms for manufacturing of the Covid jab in the country.

The vaccine is currently being manufactured in India by Hyderabad-based pharma giant Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

Further, the SII has also sought approval from DCGI for test analysis and examination.

"The Serum Institute of India (SII) put up an application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Wednesday (2 June) seeking permission to manufacture the Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, in India," a source was quoted in a Times of India report as saying.

The Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine, developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute, is third jab after SII's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin to be cleared by the DCGI for emergency use in India. It is already being used in the ongoing Covid vaccination drive in the country.