Pfizer Wants Vaccine Disputes To Be Adjudicated Only In US Courts, Seeks Indemnity Against Adverse Effects: Report

United States (US)-based pharmaceutical major Pfizer is said to have told the Government that it wants the disputes related to COVID-19 vaccine supplies to India to be adjudicated only in the US courts, reports Economic Times.

Other than this, the company has also been pushing for indemnity against any adverse effects from the vaccines. The talks have already reached an advanced stage between Pfizer and the Government, and the latter is also likely to grant indemnity. However, the Government is said to be not too keen to give in on the legal jurisdiction matter.

It should be noted that the government has taken multiple measures to enhance vaccine supplies, including advance payments without guarantees. However, the restriction of jurisdiction to overseas locations is likely to be blocked in the Parliament, an official was quoted as saying by ET.

The Government is said to be trying to work around the issues which have been raised by Pfizer.

It should meanwhile be noted that following the reports that the Government may grant indemnity to the foreign vaccine makers, Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has also sought indemnity.

Adar Poonawalla led SII is already supplying Covishield vaccines, while it has also begun at-risk manufacturing of Novavax's under-trial vaccine which it plans to launch in India later this year under the name of Covovax.