Serum Institute to manufacture Sputnik V from September

New Delhi : Serum Institute of India (SII) will start manufacturing of Russian vaccine Sputnik V from September onwards at their Pune plant. The Russian RDIF said that they intend to produce more than 300 million doses of the vaccine per year. Technology transfer process has already begun and with that the first batch of vaccine is expected to come by September.

"As part of the technical transfer process, SII has already received cell and vector samples from the Gamaleya Center. With their import approved by the Drug Controller General of India), the cultivation process has begun," read a statement from RDIF.

"I am delighted to partner with RDIF to manufacture the Sputnik vaccine. We hope to make millions of doses in the coming months with trial batches starting in the month of September," said Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla.

"With high efficacy and a good safety profile, it is critical that the Sputnik vaccine is accessible in full measure for people across India and the world. Given the uncertainty of the virus, it is important for international institutes, and governments to collaborate and further bolster up our fight against the pandemic," he added.

The announcement came at a time when India is trying its best to ramp up the vaccination process. The country is aiming to inoculate all adults by December this year.

Meanwhile, several states have registered shortage of vaccine.

"Vaccines have run out in Delhi again. The central government gives vaccines for a day or two, then we have to keep the vaccine centres closed for several days. Why is our country's vaccine programme faltering even after so many days?" Mr Sisodia wrote on Twitter, while sharing a report on the shortage of vaccines.

Other than Delhi, Maharashtra has also reported shortage of vaccine in the state.