RDIF and Wockhardt partner to produce Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Wockhardt have partnered to produce and supply Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines against COVID-19. The agreement was reached under the aegis of Enso Healthcare (part of Enso Group), RDIF’s coordination partner for sourcing Sputnik V vaccines in India, Wockhardt notified in a statement.

It said that till date, the Sputnik V vaccine has been registered in 69 countries globally with a total population of over 3.7 billion people. The data obtained by regulators of a number of countries during the vaccination of the population, including Argentina, Serbia, Bahrain, Hungary, Mexico, San Marino, the UAE and others, demonstrates that Sputnik V is one of the safest and most effective vaccines against coronavirus.

In particular, Sputnik V demonstrates 83.1 per cent efficacy against the delta variant of coronavirus – higher than many other vaccines. The vaccine shows six-times reduction of infection risk. It is also 94.4 per cent effective against hospitalisations with 18-times reduction in hospitalisation risk. It is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors and uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination, providing immunity with a longer duration than vaccines using the same delivery mechanism for both shots, the statement added.

The statement mentioned that Sputnik Light is the first component of Sputnik V and is based on human adenovirus serotype 26.

Dr Habil Khorakiwala, Founder Chairman, Wockhardt Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with RDIF to make a substantial contribution towards providing the global supply of the Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines, which is one of the most efficacious approved vaccines commercially available. The arrangement upholds our ongoing commitment to fight against such a pandemic of global human importance.”

Adding to it, Vinay Maloo, Chairman, Enso Healthcare, said, “It is our privilege to partner with RDIF and Wockhardt to facilitate large-scale manufacturing of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines. Vaccinations are the most visible solution to this pandemic. We are proud to be a part of this noble cause. Sputnik V is known to have high efficacy and has emerged as a trusted vaccine.”