India could potentially be the first country to approve the British drugmaker's vaccine, as their medicine regulator is currently reviewing data from trials. India, known for being the world's largest vaccine producer, aims to begin vaccinating its citizens next month and is also considering emergency use authorization for vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc and local company Bharat Biotech. Distributing vaccines to India, which has a high infection rate, will be a significant step in combatting the pandemic. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is seen as crucial for lower-income countries and those in warm climates due to its affordability, ease of transportation, and ability to be stored at regular fridge temperatures for long periods. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India initially reviewed three applications on Dec. 9 and requested additional information from all companies involved, including the Serum Institute of India, which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, SII, has now shared all the necessary data, according to two sources. Authorities are still waiting for more information from Pfizer and Bharat Biotech. Indian health officials are in communication with British officials regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, with indications that approval may come next week. Recent data from AstraZeneca's trials in the UK and Brazil showed varying efficacy rates, with the Indian regulator only considering the two full-dose regimen despite the lower success rate. One of the sources confirmed that the serum is prepared and mentioned that initially, there could be approximately 50 million to 60 million doses available. The sources chose to remain anonymous as discussions were still in progress and the schedule could be subject to change. V.G. Somani, the CDSCO chief, did not immediately provide a response to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer chose not to comment, and SII did not immediately respond to an email asking for a comment. India has not finalized an agreement with any company for vaccine supply, however, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and aims to produce a total of 400 million doses by July.