Zydus Cadila proposes Rs 1900 for three-dose COVID vaccine; Govt negotiating to bring it down

Indian pharmaceutical Zydus Cadila has suggested pricing for its three-dose Covid-19 vaccine ZyCov-D at $1,900, reported PTI. However, according to the news agency, the central government is working with the company to lower the costs.

“Negotiations are on. The company has been asked to reconsider all the aspects regarding the cost of the vaccine,” the source was quoted as saying.

According to another source, ZyCoV-D must be more expensive than Covaxin and Covishield because, in addition to being a three-dose vaccination, it requires the use of a needle-free jet injector, which costs $30,000. That jet injector has a capacity of around 20,000 doses. So far, three rounds of talks have taken place between the Centre and the firm.

A final decision on the price of the vaccine – the only one approved for children in India – is likely to be taken this week.

The vaccine is to be given on days zero, 28 and 56. According to sources, around three rounds of meetings have taken place so far between the Centre and the company, the last one on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also waiting for the recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) for introducing ZyCoV-D in the inoculation drive and prioritising beneficiaries focusing on those aged 12-18 years with comorbidities. The NTAGI will provide the protocol and framework for the introduction of this vaccine in the COVID-19 immunisation drive, an official source said.

As far as the price of the vaccine at which it will be procured is concerned, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, at a press conference on Thursday, said the government is in conversation with the manufacturers. “Since this is a three-dose vaccine and comes with a needleless delivery system, it would have a differential pricing than the existing vaccines which are being used in the COVID vaccination programme,” he said.

Medically Speaking Team

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