Singapore: Indian vaccines major, Serum Institute is expanding its network in India by setting up a new manufacturing plant in Pune. According to sources, the company is planning to invest $163mn to set up the new vaccine facility.

Serum Institute is the world's fifth largest vaccine manufacturer, with an installed capacity of over one billion doses of vaccines annually. The company currently has two manufacturing sites in Pune and Netherlands. Mr Adar C Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute, said, "The company will be manufacturing vaccines for pneumonia, rotavirus, dengue and many other diseases in the plant."

Mr Poonawalla mentioned that in addition to the new plant the company is also considering expansion of its Netherlands facility. "The investment for the acquisition and expansion of the Bilthoven Biologicals cumulatively over last two years will be around $255 million," he said.

Mr Poonawalla further stated that the company is focusing on small and strategic acquisitions that support its vaccine base, for expansion. The acquisition of Bilthoven Biologics provided Serum with the technology to manufacture injectable polio vaccine. The company is the largest suppliers of vaccines to over 140 countries, worldwide.