Hyderabad: COVAXIN, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine , has now received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) in 16 countries including, Brazil, India, Philippines, Iran and Mexico, vaccine maker Bharat Biotech said here on Wednesday.
With EUA’s in process in 50 countries worldwide, discussions are going on with WHO to obtain Emergency Use Listing for COVAXIN, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV).
The product has been exported to several countries, with additional requests for supplies being received, Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech said in a statement.
During the past few weeks, there have been reports in the media at large misrepresenting the procurement process of COVAXIN®, in Brazil and other countries, the bharat biotech said and clarified that the procurement process for COVID-19 vaccines and several vaccines for routine immunization follow a common process which is widely accepted, and established in Industry∙
Based on a country’s requirement, the company receives a letter of intent (or MOU) for procurement and then proceeds to apply for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the respective country, the vaccine maker also clarified on the procurement process.
Once EUA is received, the Ministry of Health (MOH) would proceed to place a firm order by releasing a purchase order, with the required initial quantities, it said and added that in several countries, MOHs have placed orders for procurement prior to the approval of vaccines such as USA, EU and India. However, procurement happens only post EUA, the vaccine maker said.
In order to secure a firm Purchase Order from the country, the company proceeds to raise a Pro Forma Invoice to the MOH, towards the supply of vaccine and based on the invoice, the MOH pays the amount in advance and once the payment is received, the company proceeds to supply the agreed quantities and within the agreed timelines, it further clarified.