Cipla Global to import Moderna Covid vaccine, gets DCGI nod

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 29

Drug Controller General of India has approved the application of Cipla Global for import and marker authorisation of the US-made Moderna Covid vaccine.

Cipla had earlier applied for Moderna import clearance to the Indian drug regulator which reviewed the application and gave the final approval today.

Moderna would thus become the first American made Covid jab to enter India while talks with Pfizer are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the commercial launch of Sputnik V earlier proposed for June has not yet happened due to logistical and other challenges.

Dr Reddy’s has tied up with Russia made Sputnik for import and distribution in India with plans to also manufacture the jab locally.

Moderna had shown over 94.14 pc efficacy in late stage trials abs was approved in the US last December.

The two-dose vaccine is meant for 18 plus people.