Zydus Cadila plans to launch ZyCoV-D in September, with pricing details to follow in 1-2 weeks

Cadila Healthcare (Zydus Cadila) stated it plans to commercialise ZyCoV-D, the world’s first Plasmid DNA Vaccine for COVID-19, in September after receiving an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

“We’re doing everything we can to get it out as soon as possible,” stated Sharvil Patel, Zydus Cadila’s Managing Director, in a press conference.

On pricing – Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Cadila said the company was working with the regulatory authorities and expected clarity emerging on pricing in next one-two weeks.

“Pricing will depend on technology, delivery and volumes, and also we have a benchmark pricing,” Patel said.

Patel said the company is targeting to supply four crore doses of ZyCoV-D by the end of December, and possibly five crore by the end of January. Zydus has capacity to manufacture 10-12 crore doses of ZyCoV-D annually.

“The most critical challenge for us now is, how to expand production to one crore doses at our new facility,” Patel said.

Patel said Zydus was also in discussions with potential partners to scale up vaccine production in coming months.

“The company is working with partners and we have requests from overseas for transfer of technology,” Patel said.