Both Covishied, developed by Oxford University and British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca, and Covaxin have been so far bought by the Centre for ₹150 a dose. “It is submitted that no governmental aid, assistance or grant is made for research or development of either Covaxin or Covishield. It has added that three of the 11 vaccine candidates progressed from proof-of-concept to the clinical development stage and were currently undergoing clinical trials. It will also attract offshore vaccine manufacturers to enter the country, the affidavit said. However, for the time being, the affidavit said that the priority was to augment production, ensure effective and equitable distribution and ensure availability of essential drugs under any circumstances.

Source: Hindustan Times May 10, 2021 19:30 UTC