Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine and biotherapeutic innovation, on Tuesday announced it has collaborated with Bilthoven Biologicals B.V. (BBio), a wholly owned subsidiary of Serum Institute of India (SII) Private Limited, based in the Netherlands, to further strengthen the production and supply security of oral polio vaccines (OPV).
A requisite agreement was held between BBIL and BBio, wherein BBIL will procure drug substances for the production of oral polio vaccines to be supplied within India and globally.
Through this collaboration, BBIL and BBio will jointly obtain the regulatory approvals and licences required to commercially manufacture OPVs in India for global supplies of drug substances manufactured in the Netherlands at Bilthoven Biologicals, Bharat Biotech said in a release here.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, said, “We are delighted to join forces with Bharat Biotech to reinforce the global supply of polio vaccines. Our vision is to eradicate polio worldwide, taking a crucial step towards reducing the impact of this deadly disease on vulnerable populations.”
Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, said, “Oral polio vaccines have been an integral part of the Government of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) for several decades, with Bharat Biotech being one of the largest suppliers to immunisation programmes across the world. This collaboration between BBIL and BBio exemplifies cooperation between vaccine companies, ensuring a secure supply of oral polio vaccines and fortifying the nation’s mission to eradicate polio.”.
As we approach the critical phase of global polio eradication, this collaboration will support the effort to create a polio-free world, he added.
