India-based Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine and biotherapeutic innovation, also the largest manufacturer of oral polio vaccines, and Bilthoven Biologicals B.V., (BBio), a wholly owned subsidiary of Serum Institute of India, based in Netherlands, have announced a collaboration to further strengthen the production and supply security of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV).

 

A requisite agreement has been signed between Bharat Biotech and BBio wherein Bharat Biotech will procure drug substances for the production of oral polio vaccines to be supplied within India and globally.

 

Through this collaboration, Bharat Biotech and BBio will jointly obtain the regulatory approvals and licenses required to commercially manufacture OPVs in India for global supplies from drug substances manufactured in the Netherlands at Bilthoven Biologicals.

 

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, said, “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 Govt of India’s Universal Immunisation Program (UIP) for several decades, with Bharat Biotech being one of the largest suppliers to immunisation programs across the world. This collaboration between BBIL and BBio exemplifies cooperation between vaccine companies, ensuring a secure supply of oral polio vaccines and fortifies the nation’s mission to eradicate polio”.