COVID-19 vaccine: Russia to supply Dr Reddy’s Laboratories with 100 million doses of Sputnik-V

Major Indian drugmaker, Dr Reddy's Laboratories has signed a deal with Russian Direct Investment Fund to procure 100 million doses of Sputnik V, according to news agency Reuters.

Dr Reddy is expected to hold a clinical trial of Sputnik V in India, reported Reuters. Both the trials and supply deal depend on central drug regulator's approval.

Russia's sovereign wealth fund has agreed to cooperate on clinical trials and the distribution of the vaccine with the Indian firm.

Russia has become the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing. The vaccine has been developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian defence ministry. The COVID vaccine has undergone necessary testing, Russia claimed.

“I know it has proven efficient and forms a stable immunity, and I would like to repeat that it has passed all the necessary tests," President Vladimir Putin said.

"The results of the check-up clearly demonstrate an unmistakable immune response attained through the vaccination. No side effects or issues with the body of the volunteers were found", the Russian ministry said, according to Sputnik News.