This country may become the first to approve the British drugmaker's vaccine, as the British medicine regulator is still analyzing trial data. India, known for being the world's largest vaccine producer, aims to start vaccinating its citizens next month and is considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Distributing the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine to India, a country with high infection rates, will be a significant step in fighting the pandemic. This vaccine is seen as crucial for lower-income countries and those in hot climates due to its affordability, ease of transportation, and long shelf life at regular fridge temperatures. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India first reviewed the applications on December 9 and requested more information from all companies involved, including Serum Institute of India which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has submitted all the necessary data, according to two sources. Authorities are still awaiting more details from Pfizer, as stated by a government health adviser at a news briefing on Tuesday. One of the sources mentioned that additional information is expected from Bharat Biotech. Both sources confirmed that Indian health officials are in direct communication with their British counterparts regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, with strong indications that approval will be granted by next week. This expected approval follows data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil, which showed varying efficacy rates depending on the dosage regimen. Despite the higher efficacy rate in a smaller sub-group receiving a half, then a full dose, the Indian regulator is only considering the two full-dose regimen for approval. One of the sources announced that the serum is prepared and there may be around 50 to 60 million doses initially. The sources chose to remain anonymous due to ongoing discussions and the possibility of timeline changes. V.G. Somani, the CDSCO chief, did not respond to a comment request. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer declined to comment, and SII did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. India has not yet finalized an agreement for vaccine supply with any company, however, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and intends to produce a total of 400 million doses by July.