COVID-19: Don't expect much delay in Sputnik-V vaccine, says DRL's GV Prasad

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has initiated the process for emergency use authorisation of Sputnik V with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). The company will present the safety profile of the phase 2 study of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Speaking in an interview to CNBC-TV18, GV Prasad, Co-Chairman & MD of the pharmaceutical firm, said, "We have completed the submission on Friday (February 19). I see that as a beginning of the process. We are sharing all the data that we generated in India, there is still some data coming in and we will give it as soon as the analysis is done."

"So far the global trials look good, over 3 million people have taken this vaccine around the world and about 26 countries have approved this. So we remain optimistic that the government, in light of everything else, will expedite this approval and not wait for everything," he said.

On pricing front, Prasad said, "It's premature to comment about it. The government has a role in this but indicative of pricing by the other markets where Sputnik is available is around USD 10 per shot. Therefore, what will be the price is India is something that we still have to figure out along with our partner."