Pressure started to mount on Indian government as countries like Britain and Bahrain approve the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. While Britain is ready to administer the first doses in the next two days, Pfizer the US pharmaceuticals giant sought the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) an emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine in the country.
Followed by which Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker by a number of doses produced, has sought government the same approval. As all eyes are glued to the Indian government’s approval to the urge made by Pfizer & SII, sources at DCGI revealed that government and the drug body authorities have second thoughts.
Price and availability after the vaccine is approved for use in India turned out to be a crucial factor. It was also learnt that the government is contemplating the major logistical challenge as it has to be stored at Antarctic temperatures but it also carries a hefty price tag.
The country is reportedly banking on five other candidates, including one developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Pune’s Serum Institute of India which are at various stages of clinical trials.
