Dr Reddys warns against bogus Sputnik V suppliers in India

Hyderabad: With the aim of making consumers aware of unauthorised individuals selling false deals or procurements of the Sputnik V vaccine, Dr Reddy's has issued a statement declaring that it would initiate legal action against unscrupulous elements perpetrating fraud in the name of the Sputnik V vaccine in India.

This came in the wake of several unsubstantiated reports and claims from various quarters in India on alleged tie-ups for the Sputnik V vaccine in the last few days.

In response, Dr Reddy's issued a joint statement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund stating, "We wish to clarify that Dr Reddy's has not entered into any partnership or collaboration with any party to supply the Sputnik V vaccine to residential associations, nor has the Company authorized any third party or intermediary to supply the vaccine on its behalf in India"

In continuation, the statement announced that Dr Reddy's Laboratories is the brand custodian of the Sputnik V vaccine in India and has the sole distribution rights of the first 250 million doses (first and second dose components included) of the vaccine in India.

Sputnik V, also known as Gam-COVID-Vac, is a viral two vector vaccine made up of two adenovirus vectors, Ad5 and Ad26, into which the SARS-CoV-2 full-length glycoprotein S gene was inserted. It was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiological and Microbiology.

The Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that in September 2020, Dr Reddy's had collaborated with the Russian Direct Investment Fund to conduct Sputnik V clinical trials and obtain distribution rights in India.

On April 12, 2021, India's drug regulator had granted permission for the restricted emergency use of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' with certain conditions, paving the way for a third vaccine to be available in the country.

Further, it was reported that Dr Reddy's Laboratories has a contract of 250 million vaccine units with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Now, in a recent statement, Dr Reddy's clarified, "Dr Reddy's has fully put in a place cold storage logistics as well as track-and-trace arrangements for the vaccine. These arrangements are absolutely imperative to ensure the safety and quality of the vaccine, and for pharmacovigilance."

"Ahead of the commercial launch of the vaccine in mid-June, Dr Reddy's continues to engage in direct talks with the Government and the private sector to explore partnerships," the statement added.

Finally, Dr Reddy's issued a warning against fraudulent dealings or procurement of the Sputnik V vaccine, saying,

"Beware of unauthorised individuals offering fake deals or procurement of the Sputnik V vaccine posing as its representatives in India. If approached, alert the authorities immediately."

Further, mentioning the action launched by the firm, the statement emphasized,

"Dr. Reddy's has initiated legal action against unscrupulous elements committing fraud in the name of the Sputnik V vaccine in India. The Company takes no responsibility for the consequences of unauthorised deals, fraudulent financial transactions or sub-standard products resulting from such fraud."

Also Read: Dr Reddys, RDIF parley on Sputnik V for other countries