Covovax, Novavax's Indian version, will be tested on 1,400 volunteers across 20 cities by Serum Institute, which has already begun production of the Covid vaccine.
SII's problems have become a key illustration of how the effort to inoculate developing world has failed, & a cautionary tale for becoming over-reliant on one manufacturer.
Modi government has so far stood firm on not offering indemnity to Covid vaccine makers. But vaccine shortage could force it reconsider as it negotiates with foreign companies.
The SII has already told the government that it will be able to manufacture and supply 10 crore Covishield doses in June and is also manufacturing the Novavax vaccine.
In early May, SII had informed the Central govt that production of Covishield would be ramped up to 6.5 crore in June, 7 crore in July and 10 crore each in August and September.
SII has a tie-up with US' Novavax to manufacture and supply Covovax vaccine in India and in low- and middle-income countries as part of the COVAX vaccine alliance countries.
The industry forecasts exports are set to grow 16% in 2025-26, boosted by surplus domestic production and a drive to push into 26 underserved global markets with strong potential.
Indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 percent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
COMMENTS