Bharat Biotech, Bilthoven Biologicals partner for Oral Polio Vaccine production

Hyderabad/Netherlands: Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine and biotherapeutic innovation, and also the largest manufacturer of oral polio vaccines, and Bilthoven Biologicals BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Serum Institute of India Private Limited, based in the Netherlands, announced a collaboration on Tuesday, to further strengthen the production and supply security of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV).

A requisite agreement has been signed between BBIL and BBio wherein BBIL will procure drug substances to produce oral polio vaccines to be supplied within India and globally.

Through this collaboration, BBIL 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.

'For a polio-free world'

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of 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 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.” As we approach the critical phase of global polio eradication, this collaboration will support the effort to create a polio-free world, he said.

Oral dose required for babies

First dose of oral polio vaccine is given at birth, second dose dose is given after a gap of four weeks, third dose after two months. The oral polio vaccine is an important vaccine dose for children.