Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for Covid priced at Rs 948 plus 5% GST in India

Inoculation could be cheaper when it is manufactured domestically, says Hyderabad company.

Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine for Covid-19 will be priced in India at Rs 948 per dose with an additional 5 per cent GST and could be cheaper when it is manufactured domestically, said Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday.

India will import Sputnik V frozen form from Russia this quarter. Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy's is responsible for ensuring that the vaccine remains stable and sanctity of the cold chain is maintained — from the manufacturing site in Russia to its cold chain point and eventually to all parts of India.

The first consignment of the imported vaccine landed in India on May 1 and has received regulatory clearance, said Dr Reddy's in a statement. "The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of Rs 948 + 5%  GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins"

The company said is working with six manufacturing partners in India to supply the vaccine.

“As part of a limited pilot, the soft launch of the vaccine has commenced and the first dose of the vaccine was administered in Hyderabad today on May 14, 2021,” the company said in a regulatory filing with the bourses.

Sputnik V, a vaccine with 91.6 per cent efficacy--the highest among Covid vaccines available in India--requires a temperature range of -18 degrees C to -22 degrees C to remain stable.