RDIF & Stelis Biopharma to supply 200 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine

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The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Stelis Biopharma have today announced a partnership which aims to produce and supply a minimum of 200 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine globally. 

The parties intend to commence supplies from July this year, aiming to immunise 100 million people against COVID-19 worldwide with the two-dose vaccine.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, said: “We are delighted to announce our agreement with Stelis Biopharma for a significant capacity of Sputnik V. The Russian vaccine with efficacy of 91.6% is one of the best vaccines against coronavirus in the world. The significant vaccine volumes which will be produced jointly with Stelis will help to widen access to the vaccine on a global scale.”

The vaccine has been authorised for use in over 50 countries, despite initial criticisms over Russia’s decision to approve the jab after only two months of human testing.

However, late-stage trial results published the Lancet in February this year showed a 91.6% efficacy rate across all participant age groups, and the EMA announced the commencement of a rolling review of the vaccine on 4 March.

The agreement between RDIF and Stelis Biopharma was reached under the aegis of Enso Healthcare LLP, RDIF's coordination partner for sourcing Sputnik V vaccines in India.

Stelis Biopharma will also continue to work with the RDIF to provide additional supply volumes beyond their initial agreement.

Arun Kumar, Founder of Strides Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with RDIF to make a substantial contribution towards providing global supply of the Sputnik V vaccine which is one of the most efficacious approved vaccines commercially available.

“We will also work with RDIF to increase the availability of the vaccine beyond our initial commitments.”

Kat Jenkins