New Delhi, June 30:
Bharat Biotech said today that it had followed a “step-by-step” approach towards contracts and regulatory approvals with Brazil amid investigations in the country to the deal for 20 million Covaxin doses.
Brazil has decided to suspend a $ 324 million contract, which has engulfed President Jair Bolsonaro in accusations of irregularities, on the advice of the federal comptroller.
“In the specific case of procurement of Covaxin by the Ministry of Health, Brazil, since the first meetings during Nov 2020 until June 29, a step-by-step approach has been followed towards contracts, and regulatory approvals, during this eight-month-long process,” Bharat Biotech said in a statement.
“EUA received on June 4. As of June 29, Bharat Biotech has not received any advance payments nor supplied any vaccines to MOH Brazil. Bharat Biotech has followed a similar approach towards contracts, regulatory approvals and supplies in several countries worldwide, where Covaxin is being supplied successfully,” said the Hyderabad-based vaccine maker.
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Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the deal citing comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February.
Bharat Biotech says reports in the media over the past few weeks had “misrepresented” the procurement process of Covaxin in Brazil and other countries.
“The procurement process for COVID-19 vaccines and several vaccines for routine immunization follow a common process which is widely accepted, and established in Industry,” said Bharat Biotech.
