The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) and Serum Institute of India (SII) have announced cooperation to produce the Russian Sputnik vaccine against coronavirus.

The first batch of Sputnik vaccines is expected to be produced at SII’s facilities in September. The parties intend to produce over 300 million doses of the vaccine in India per year. 

As part of the technology transfer process, SII has already received cell and vector samples from the Gamaleya Center. With their import approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the cultivation process has begun.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII, said, "I am delighted to partner with RDIF to manufacture the Sputnik vaccine. We hope to make millions of doses in the coming months with trial batches starting in September. With high efficacy and a good safety profile, the Sputnik vaccine must be accessible in full measure for people across India and the world. Given the uncertainty of the virus, it is important for international institutes, and governments to collaborate and further bolster up our fight against the pandemic.”

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, Russian Direct Investment Fund, commented, “RDIF is delighted to cooperate with Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. This strategic partnership is a major step to substantially increase our production capabilities demonstrating a perfect example of joining forces and expertise to save lives both in India and around the world. With technology transfer underway we expect the first batches of the vaccine to be produced jointly with SII in coming months.”