India approves Moderna's vaccine for emergency use; Cipla to import jab

Cipla had filed an application on Monday seeking permission for import of Moderna's vaccine.

Drug major Cipla has been approved by India's drug regulator to import Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, the government has said on Tuesday.

Moderna is said to have applied for the emergency use approval in India following the US agreement to donate doses to India via Covax. Cipla on behalf of the US pharma giant has requested for import and marketing authorisation of these jabs.

According to Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)'s new policy, vaccines approved by the US for EU drug regulators can be granted approval without bridging trials in India. The assessment