Studies have shown the drug to be 89 per cent effective against hospitalisation and death. Experts believe it can significantly reduce the impact of another Omicron wave
Covid-19: India and Pfizer hit impasse over vaccine indemnity demand
Reuters/New Delhi/New York Filed on May 21, 2021 AFP file
Sources say Pfizer has been consistent in its position on indemnity and is not planning to change its approach for a deal with India.
Pfizer and the Indian government are at loggerheads over a demand by the US drugmaker for legal protection from any claims linked to the use of its Covid-19 vaccine in one of the world s biggest markets, two sources told Reuters.
India has not given any manufacturer of a Covid-19 vaccine indemnity against the costs of compensation for any severe side effects, which is a condition Pfizer has obtained in many countries where its shots have already been widely rolled out, including Britain and the United States.
Story highlights
Pfizer in its application submitted to the drug regulator in December 2020, had sought permission to import the vaccine for sale and distribution in India, besides waiver of clinical trials on Indian population.
Pharma major Pfizer on Friday said it has decided to withdraw its application for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine in India.
Pfizer was the first pharmaceutical firm to seek an emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, after it secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain. In pursuance of the Emergency Use Authorisation of its COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer participated in the Subject Expert Committee meeting of the Drug Regulatory Authority of India on February 3. Based on the deliberations at the meeting and our understanding of additional information that the regulator may need, the company has decided to withdraw its application at this time, a company sp