- SII, Bharat Biotech, Pfizer request DGCI for emergency use
- Expert panel to review the request on Wednesday
- If found safe, may get a nod from Centre
New Delhi: It’s good news for Indians who are suffering with Covid pandemic for nice months along with globe. Largest producer of vaccines in bulk, Serum Institute of India (SII) is likely fix the price of vaccine at 250 rs per dose if they get contract signed by Central Government for supply of vaccine.
American company Pfizer and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin applied for emergency use for the vaccine to centre which will be reviewed by expert panel on Wednesday. Government is pinning hopes on all three but as per Poonawalla, Serum will mainly focus on supplying vaccine in India rather than distributing to other countries. Initial price quoted for vaccine by Serum Institute was Rs. 1000 per dose but if government signs a large contract, they will release the vaccine at Rs. 250 according to CEO Poonam.
Also read: Pfizer’s Covid vaccine, first in the world to be rolled out
After the expert panel is satisfied with the vaccines presented by the three firms, the panel will grant approval for emergency use but final approval will be given only after completion of clinical trials in three phases and analysis with full data.
The only problem experts are worried about with Pfizer vaccine is , it should be stored and transported at -70 degrees celcius, which is a tough task..
Also read:COVID: India Prepares Blueprint For Vaccine Supply
The UK became the first country to approve Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNtech. The UK government accepted the recommendation from independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNtech’s Covid-19 vaccine for use which will be rolled out next week, UK government said recently. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that the emergency use of the vaccine in fight against Covid pandemic makes a historic moment.
Now we are focused on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high quality vaccine around the world, Albert added. Hospitals are ready to receive the vaccine, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said with happiness. UK has ordered for 20 doses for 20 million people. But the challenge arises in distribution as vaccine should be stored at ultra cold temperatures.
