Bharat Biotech on 'Brazil Covid scam': Covaxin-maker says followed 'step-by-step approach for approval'

India’s Bharat Biotech said on Wednesday it followed a “step-by-step" approach for the regulatory approval and supply contract of its COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil.

“In the specific case of procurement of Covaxin by the Ministry of Health, Brazil, since the first meetings during Nov 2020 until June 29, a step-by-step approach has been followed towards contracts, and regulatory approvals, during this eight-month-long process," Bharat Biotech said in a statement.

Brazil’s health minister said on Tuesday the country will suspend its $324 million contract for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech’s vaccine after whistleblowers went public with alleged irregularities in the deal.

The Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said that it has not received advance payments from the Brazilian health ministry.

Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the deal citing comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February.

Accusations that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro turned a blind eye to possible corruption in a deal to purchase coronavirus vaccines have heightened threats to his presidency.

Bharat Biotech said it has followed a similar approach towards contracts, regulatory approvals and supplies in several countries worldwide, where Covaxin is being supplied successfully.