The companies announced data from their Phase II/III study in children aged 5-11 and intend to take them to regulators to expand Comirnaty's authorization; also, an expert panel advising India's drug regulator endorsed plans for a Phase III trial of a single-dose Russian vaccine, Sputnik Light, and vaccines from other Indian firms progress.

Reliance Life Sciences, part of India’s largest private sector enterprise with a growing engagement in healthcare, is progressing an early-stage COVID-19 vaccine. A top executive underscores the potential to manufacture at scale and provide the protein-based candidate at a competitive price.

Most roads led to India in 2020 when it came to deals to expand access to COVID-19 therapies, but the challenging year also saw significant private equity interest and there are expectations of more action ahead in the new year.

Takeda’s collaboration with the private UK biotech includes NASH and other liver disorders. Reliance will take on Amazon in the India pharmacy space with acquisition of Netmeds.