Covaxin vs Covishield | Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine may cost less than Serum Institute’s: Report

The Hyderabad-based company is predicted to sign a final contract with the govt soon, the Business Standard reported. Deciding the value is taking time since the govt is trying to barter the simplest possible price.

“Bharat Biotech is probably going to cost its vaccine very competitively and less than its competitor. Historically, too, the firm has quoted competitive prices to provide in India,” a source told the paper.

Bharat Biotech has not yet responded when contacted by the publication.

SII plans to cost the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at Rs 200 per dose for the Indian government, and Rs 1,000 for the private market.

Bharat Biotech director Krishna Ella has earlier said pricing of Covaxin would depend upon volumes.

On January 3, the 2 vaccines were approved for restricted emergency by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Bharat Biotech has not yet provided efficacy data of Covaxin, which remains within the third phase of clinical trials.

“Right now the vaccine has been allowed a roll call at clinical test mode, which suggests that receivers will need to give consent before getting a jab and that they would be followed up regularly. the costs would thus be low,” a source told the paper.

Both vaccines against the coronavirus are two dose regimens and may be stored at 2–8 degrees Centigrade (refrigerator temperature).

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on January 2 said the vaccine are going to be given freed from cost to the “most prioritised beneficiaries”, which incorporates 1 crore healthcare and a couple of crore frontline workers.