Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases... India allows Russian vaccine 'Sputnik V'

A COVID-19 vaccination center in India where vaccinations were halted due to vaccine shortages. On the 12th, the Indian Drug Regulatory Authority effectively approved the use of the Russian vaccine 'Sputnik V'.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] India, where new COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing, has effectively approved the domestic use of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V.'

According to local media such as NDTV, on the 12th, the expert panel of India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recommended the emergency use authorization of the vaccine to the DCGI. The authorities plan to officially approve it soon.

When Russia first approved Sputnik V in September last year, there were significant concerns about its efficacy and safety as it had not undergone Phase 3 clinical trials. However, the evaluation has shifted after a study published in the medical journal The Lancet in February showed a preventive efficacy of 91.6%.

This emergency use decision began when local company Dr. Reddy's, which participated in the Sputnik V vaccine clinical trials, applied for authorization.

India is currently using the AstraZeneca vaccine and a vaccine developed domestically by Bharat Biotech. If the Sputnik V vaccine is introduced on the ground, it will become the third COVID-19 vaccine in India.