Bharat Biotech, a prominent Indian vaccine manufacturer, and Bilthoven Biologicals BV (BBio), based in the Netherlands, have announced a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the production and distribution of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV). As stated in their press release, Bharat Biotech, renowned for its expertise in vaccine and biotherapeutic development, will procure essential drug components for OPV production, catering to both domestic and international markets.
In this partnership, Bharat Biotech and BBio, a subsidiary of Serum Institute of India Private Limited, will work together to secure regulatory approvals and licenses necessary for commercial OPV manufacturing in India. The OPVs will be produced using drug substances manufactured in the Netherlands at Bilthoven Biologicals, ensuring a seamless global supply chain.
Bharat Biotech holds the distinction of being the largest manufacturer of oral polio vaccines globally. Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in sustaining the supply of OPVs and advancing India’s mission to eradicate polio, which has long been a cornerstone of the country’s Universal Immunisation Program.
India has been steadfast in its commitment to global polio eradication since the resolution passed by the World Health Assembly in 1988. The National Immunisation Day (NID), commonly known as the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme, was initiated in 1995 and is conducted biannually to reach vulnerable populations.
Certified polio-free by the Regional Polio Certification Commission on March 27, 2014, India has not reported any cases of wild poliovirus since January 13, 2011. This collaborative effort between Bharat Biotech and Bilthoven Biologicals represents a significant stride towards maintaining this status and furthering global polio eradication efforts.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting their shared vision to eradicate polio worldwide and mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations.
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