This country may become the first to approve the British drugmaker's vaccine, as the British medicine regulator is still reviewing trial data. India, known for being the largest vaccine producer globally, aims to begin vaccinating its citizens next month and is also considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Distributing vaccines to India, a country with high infection rates, would be a significant step in fighting the pandemic. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is crucial for lower-income countries and regions with hot climates due to its affordability, ease of transport, and long shelf life at regular fridge temperatures. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization of India first evaluated the three applications on Dec. 9 and requested additional information from all companies, including the Serum Institute of India, which produces the AstraZeneca vaccine. According to two sources, SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has now submitted all the necessary data. Authorities are still awaiting further details from Pfizer, as mentioned by a government health adviser at a news briefing on Tuesday. Additionally, one of the sources indicated that more information is expected from Bharat Biotech. Both sources mentioned that Indian health officials are communicating directly with British counterparts regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, and there are strong indications that approval will be granted by next week. The anticipated approval follows the release of data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil earlier this month, showing varying efficacy rates for different dosing regimens. Despite the higher success 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 could be around 50 to 60 million doses initially. The sources chose to remain anonymous due to ongoing discussions and the potential for the timeline to change. V.G. Somani, the CDSCO chief, did not respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer chose not to comment, while SII did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. India has not finalized a contract 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 aims to manufacture a total of 400 million doses by July.