In the wake of Brazil suspending a $324 million deal for Covaxin shots over corruption allegations, the vaccine’s maker, Bharat Biotech, has denied any wrongdoing and claims it has sought regulatory approval in the South. A “step-by-step” approach is followed. American country.
The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said it followed the procedure laid down globally by governments to procure vaccines.
“In the specific case of the purchase of Covaxin by MOH Brazil, following a step-by-step approach to contracts and regulatory approvals during the eight months since the first meeting with MOH Brazil during November 2020, until June 29, 2021 Has been done. -Long process,” Bharat Biotech said in the statement.
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In response to alleged irregularities in the purchase of Covaxin doses, Bharat Biotech clarified that it has not received advance payments nor supplied vaccines to the Brazilian government.
“EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) received on 4 June. As of June 29, Bharat Biotech has not received any advance payments nor has any vaccines been supplied to MOH Brazil. Bharat Biotech has followed a similar approach to contracts, regulatory approvals and supplies in many countries across the world where Covaxin is being supplied successfully.”
The vaccine maker said reports in the media over the past few weeks had “misrepresented” Covaxin’s procurement process in Brazil and other countries, adding that it did not sell Covaxin to Brazil at inflated prices.
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“The price of Covaxin for supply to governments outside India has been clearly established between $15-20 per dose. Pricing for Brazil is also indicated at $15 per dose. Bharat Biotech has received advance payments at the above price points from several other countries, supply is in process, pending approvals,” the company said.
Brazil has been embroiled in a Covaxin contract dispute after the South American country’s attorney general reportedly launched an investigation into the deal.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under fire for allegedly agreeing to buy India’s Covaxin at an inflated price and that too without regulatory approval. Bolsonaro has denied the allegation, claiming that no money was paid to Bharat Biotech nor was there a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine shipped to Brazil.