Bharat Biotech says higher pricing of Covaxin required in private markets

Fundamental business reasons ranging from low procurement volumes, high distribution costs and retail margins among few others contribute to higher pricing of Covaxin, Bharat Biotech said

Bharat Biotech on Tuesday justified the higher pricing of its coronavirus vaccine in the private market, saying the supply price of the shot for Government of India is clearly not sustainable in the long run.

"The supply price of Covaxin to Govt of India at Rs 150 a dose, is a non-competitive price and clearly not sustainable in the long run," the Hyderabad-based vaccine maker has said. 

"Hence a higher price in private market is required to offset part of the costs," it said. Bharat Biotech is currently supplying the vaccine for Centre at Rs 150 a dose.

Fundamental business reasons ranging from