Moderna, Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Likely In India Next Year: Report

According to the latest reports, Moderna and Pfizer are expecting to launch their COVID-19 vaccines in India next year. Moderna expects to launch its single-dose vaccine in 2022, while Pfizer is ready to offer 5 Crore shots in 2021 itself. However, the US giant wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification as per the sources. It must be noted that Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it lacks surplus COVID-19 vaccines to share in 2021. At present, the company is in talks with Cipla and other Indian firms to supply 5 Crore doses mostly by the end of 2021.

It must be noted that Cipla has showcased the interest in procuring 5 Crore vaccine doses from Moderna for 2022. Moreover, the former has requested confirmation from the central government with regards to stability in regulatory requirements/policy regime. The Health Ministry is also expected to take an early decision on Cipla's request. In the case of Pfizer, the company has indicated availability of 5 Crore COVID-19 vaccine doses- 1 Crore in July, 1 Crore in August, 2 Crore in September and 1 Crore in October for supply purposes to India in 2021. However, Pfizer has put a condition that it only wishes to deal with the Government of India. Moreover, expects the payment for vaccines to be made by GOI to Pfizer India.

In high-level meetings chaired by the Cabinet Secretary were held last week, the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in India as well as the global markets was discussed. It was concluded that India urgently needs to procure COVID-19 vaccines as the country is highly experiencing a vast gap between supply and requirement.

At present, India is using Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V to inoculate its population.