In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at fortifying the production and supply of oral polio vaccines (OPVs), Bharat Biotech has joined forces with Bilthoven Biologicals, a subsidiary of Serum Institute of India. This strategic partnership signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing global health security and advancing the mission to eradicate polio worldwide.
Strengthening Supply Chain Security
Under the agreement, Bharat Biotech will procure essential drug substances for the production of oral polio vaccines to be distributed both domestically in India and across the globe. Leveraging the expertise and resources of both entities, this collaboration seeks to ensure a steady and reliable supply of OPVs to support immunization programs worldwide.
Regulatory Approvals and Manufacturing
One of the key objectives of this collaboration is to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and licenses for the commercial manufacturing of OPVs in India. By harnessing the manufacturing capabilities of Bilthoven Biologicals in the Netherlands, Bharat Biotech aims to streamline production processes and optimize supply chain logistics to meet the growing demand for oral polio vaccines.
Commitment to Global Health Initiatives
Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, underscored the significance of this collaboration in reinforcing the nation’s commitment to eradicating polio. He emphasized that oral polio vaccines have long been integral to India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP), and this partnership exemplifies the spirit of cooperation among vaccine manufacturers to address public health challenges.
Vision for a Polio-Free World
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, reiterated the shared vision of both companies to eradicate polio globally. By pooling their expertise and resources, Bharat Biotech and Bilthoven Biologicals aim to contribute to the critical phase of the global polio eradication initiative and pave the way for a polio-free world.
The collaboration between Bharat Biotech and Bilthoven Biologicals represents a significant milestone in the journey towards global health security and disease eradication. By combining their strengths in vaccine manufacturing and supply chain management, these companies are poised to make a meaningful impact in the fight against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
