Wockhardt, RDIF strike deal with for Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the Russian sovereign wealth fund, has entered into a partnership with Indian pharma company Wockhardt Limited for producing and distributing the Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines against Covid-19.

The agreement was signed under the watch of Enso Healthcare, part of Enso Group, which is the coordination partner of RDIF for procuring the Sputnik V vaccines in India.

Vinay Maloo — Chairman of Enso Healthcare said: “It is our privilege to partner with RDIF and Wockhardt to facilitate large scale manufacturing of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines. Vaccinations are the most visible solution to this pandemic.

“We are proud to be a part of this noble cause. Sputnik V is known to have high efficacy and has emerged as a trusted vaccine.”

Wockhardt, RDIF strike deal with for Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines. Photo courtesy of The Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Sputnik V, which is based on human adenoviral vectors, uses two different vectors for the two vaccine shots. As a result, it is claimed to give immunity with a longer duration than other Covid vaccines using the same mechanism for the delivery of both shots.

On the other hand, Sputnik Light is the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine, and is based on human adenovirus serotype 26.

Dr. Habil Khorakiwala — Founder Chairman of Wockhardt Group said: “We are delighted to partner with RDIF to make a substantial contribution towards providing global supply of the Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines which is one of the most efficacious approved vaccines commercially available.

“The arrangement upholds our ongoing commitment to fight against such a pandemic of global human importance.”

So far, the Sputnik V Covid vaccine has been registered in 69 countries, covering a total population of more than 3.7 billion people.

The Russian Covid vaccine is said to have 83.1% efficacy against the Delta variant and has shown six times reduction of infection risk. Besides, Sputnik V has also been shown to be 94.4% effective against hospitalizations with 18 times reduction in the risk of getting hospitalized.