Strides Sees COVID-19 Pills Not Impacting Vaccine Uptake

Sputnik Revenues From Q4

Strides’ CEO tells Scrip Merck’s molnupiravir and Pfizer’s Paxlovid are not seen impacting COVID-19 vaccine uptake as boosters and immunization for travel will drive continued demand. The Indian company expects to book Sputnik Light sales from Q4. Meanwhile, US revenue guidance of $225-250m has been pushed back by a year to FY23.

Oral Therapy Or Pills Against COVID-19
Oral Therapies For COVID-19 Not Seen Reducing Vaccine Demand • Source: Alamy

While the new oral antiviral drugs against COVID-19, Merck & Co., Inc./Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP’s molnupiravir and Pfizer Inc.’s Paxlovid (PF-0721332), are a welcome addition to the battle against the disease, they are unlikely to negatively impact vaccine uptake, Strides Pharma Science Limited’s CEO R Ananthanarayanan feels.

“There are some people who don't want to take the jab, but having said that, there is more and more encouragement for vaccination, including from governments, because that is

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