Centre to buy 30 cr COVID-19 vaccine doses from Hyderabad-based firm

As per the deal, the vaccine doses will be manufactured and stockpiled by the manufacturer from August-December 2021.

The Union Ministry of Health would be making an advance payment of Rs 1,500 crore to the firm.

Currently, the vaccine of Biological-E is undergoing Phase-3 clinical trials. The vaccine being developed by Biological-E is a RBD protein sub-unit vaccine and is likely to be available in the next few months, the statement read.

The proposal of M/s Biological-E was examined and recommended for approval after due diligence by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).

'The arrangement with M/s Biological-E is part of the wider endeavour of the Government of India to encourage indigenous vaccine manufacturers by providing them support in Research & Development (R&D) and also financial support,' the Ministry said.

The Biological-E COVID Vaccine candidate has been supported by the Centre from Preclinical stage to Phase-3 studies. Department of Biotechnology has not only provided financial assistance in terms of grant-in-aid of over Rs 100 cr but has also partnered with Biological-E to conduct all animal challenge and assay studies through its Research Institute Translational Health Science Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad.