New Delhi, Jun 3 (UNI):: The Centre will procure 30 crore units of Covid-19 vaccine from Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E, an official statement said here on Thursday.

As per the deal, the vaccines doses will be manufactured and stockpiled by the manufacturer from August-December 2021. The Union Ministry of Health would be making an advance payment of Rs 1,500 crore to the firm.

Currently, the vaccine of Biological-E is undergoing Phase-3 clinical trial. The vaccine being developed by Biological-E is a RBD protein sub-unit vaccine and is likely to be available in the next few months, the statement read.

The proposal of M/s Biological-E was examined and recommended for approval after due diligence by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).

‘The arrangement with M/s Biological-E is part of the wider endeavour of Government of India to encourage indigenous vaccine manufacturers by providing them support in Research & Development (R&D) and also financial support,’ the Ministry said.

Biological-E COVID Vaccine candidate has been supported by the Centre from Preclinical stage to Phase-3 studies. Department of Biotechnology has not only provided financial assistance in terms of grant-in-aid of over Rs 100 cr but has also partnered with Biological-E to conduct all animal challenge and assay studies through its Research Institute Translational Health Science Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad.

UNI