Multiple COVID-19 vaccines, including from RDIF and Novavax, could get accelerated approvals in India in the first half of calendar 2021, expanding the range at the country’s disposal. J&J's vaccine is expected to follow although it still hasn’t begun local trials, while Pfizer has temporarily withdrawn an application.

Aurobindo expects the first data readouts from the Phase II/III clinical trials of its partnered COVID-19 vaccine by July. While making progress in biosimilars development, the Indian company also plans to invest substantially in new API capacity.

Moderna is speculated to be in talks with Indian firms, including Wockhardt and a Tata group company, for manufacturing and/or marketing its COVID-19 vaccine. A deal in India could help the company meet its obligation to supply COVAX but Moderna is likely to choose its partner carefully.

Dr Reddy’s signals a sharp step up in ambitions at home, propelled by building leadership in 10 therapy segments and an “India-first” approach for specialty products. Uptick in the China business and the potential launch of a Russia-partnered COVID-19 vaccine were other aspects of the business discussed at JPM.