While an mRNA vaccine is still missing, 2021 saw Indian companies strike alliances, battle legal action and gain funding while the regulator played a crucial enabling role in the run up to the approval of eight COVID-19 vaccines from zero in 2020.

Strides has pushed back US revenue guidance of $225m-$250m by a year to FY23 amid price erosion and substantial competition in the market. Meanwhile, the firm’s CEO says Merck’s molnupiravir and Pfizer’s Paxlovid are not seen impacting COVID-19 vaccine uptake as boosters and immunization for travel will drive continued demand. The Indian company expects to book Sputnik Light sales from Q4.

Strides’ CEO tells Scrip Merck’s molnupiravir and Pfizer’s Paxlovid are not seen impacting COVID-19 vaccine uptake as boosters and immunization for travel will drive continued demand. The Indian company expects to book Sputnik Light sales from Q4. Meanwhile, US revenue guidance of $225-250m has been pushed back by a year to FY23.

Dr Reddy’s is to press ahead with India filing plans for single-dose COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik Light and also expects to “build on” the Russian partner’s trial in adolescents of the two-dose Sputnik V. The company also pilots a partnered first-of-its-kind cashless digital health offering.