Mumbai: Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine that has reported 95 per cent efficacy will be much cheaper than the vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna.
Developed by Gamaleya Institute and RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund), Sputnik V’s price will be under $20 per person for a couple of doses in global markets, including India. The vaccine may be available in India by February, according to a report in The Times of India.
Sputnik V is yet to undergo trials in India and domestic companies will manufacture it. Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s and RDIF have collaborated to hold clinical trials and distribute the vaccine in India.
According to experts, despite the vaccine’s price advantage against Pfizer and Moderna, the main challenge could be in its distribution as it needs a specialised cooling chain.
Sputnik V vaccine’s efficacy is 91.4 per cent, on the basis of the second analysis of interim data obtained 28 days after administering the first dose (seven days after the second dose).
Preliminary data obtained 42 days after the first dose indicates an efficacy above 95%, a statement said.
