Serum Institute of India (SII) has approached the US government to clarify that it requires the supply of raw materials for Covovax and not Covishield, as was announced by the White House this week since lack of raw materials is holding back the vaccine maker from starting at-risk manufacturing of Covovax. They are trying to understand why they were given raw materials for Covishield when they asked for help for Covovax. That has been their position constantly because they need to start production of Covovax but are facing a shortage of raw materials," a person aware of the development said on condition of anonymity. A senior government official, on condition of anonymity, said that India is hopeful that the US government will allow the supply of raw materials for Covovax as well after they had allowed the supply for Covishield. Covovax is the next vaccine that SII, the world’s largest vaccine maker, will manufacture after Covishield.

Source: Mint April 30, 2021 17:37 UTC