Dr Reddy’s combines forces with the Russian Direct Investment Fund for clinical trials and supply of Sputnik V in India, amid what it views as “very important” data points in early studies of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fujifilm Toyama’s favipiravir may be relatively late on the Indian market,but local partner Dr Reddy’s believes that the large amount of safety data and superior shelf life of the product will hold it in good stead amid heightened competition. Local manufacturing could also help Dr Reddy’s pare the price differential with other versions.

Disappointment as Roche/Chugai antibody tocilizumab misses most endpoints. 

More news from across the sector, including Novartis's non-profit pledge on medicines and Zydus Cadila commencing Phase I vaccine trial.